PROF. MYRNA MONLLOR ENGLISH 112 The Cover Letter copyright© 2011 Myrna Monllor Jiménez

What is a cover letter? Is a letter of presentation Accompanies the resumé Provides more information about yourself Is usually one page long It includes an introductory and a closing paragraph and two body paragraphs.

This is how your letter should look on paper date heading inside address salutation closing signature

Parts of the cover letter: the date Write the complete day, month, year Do not use abbreviations For example: September 2, 2008

Parts of the cover letter: the heading This is your address. It does not include your name. For example: 2838 Camphor Lane DeLand, FL 32720

Parts of the letter: the inside address Includes the name of the person to whom you are sending the letter Includes the name of the person’s company or organization Includes the address

Parts of the letter: the salutation Dear Ms. Salomon: Dear Mr. Pietri: Dear Sir: Dear Madam: Ladies and Gentlemen: To whom it may concern: Notice that in a formal letter the salutation is followed by a colon (:)

First Paragraph What position do you want? How did you learn about this position? Why do you think you qualify for this position?

Copyright Delia Serrano 2005 Samples of attention getters I am responding to your recent job listing in El Nuevo Día newspaper requesting a sales manager for your company. I read your advertisement in The San Juan Star yesterday, and after researching your company, I was compelled to apply for the position of___. The manager of GPI Paints, Anabelle Ruiz, has suggested I contact you regarding the opening for a___.

Paragraph 2 What are your skills and qualifications for the job? Provide examples of how you apply or have applied your skills

Unspecific I am studying Business Administration and I know I am a good candidate for this career because I am intelligent and a good businessman. I have good sales skills. I am a positive and friendly person. Think of examples that confirm what you are saying about yourself

Unspecific I am studying General Communications. I am a good candidate for this position because I am friendly, sociable, responsible, and agreeable. I already possess the creativity and originality to be a public relationist. My best asset is that I know how to communicate with other people and I am very imaginative. What can she say to prove that she is creative?

The more specific, the better I’m studying theater, but I really want to study dance. I think I am good candidate for this career because I love the fine arts and have always been interested in these fields. Some of my skills are that I studied in the Fine Arts in Humacao, I danced for Tito “El Bambino” and La Secta All Star. At this moment, I have a dance group in Juana Diaz and I’m the lead of the group. I have danced for the Tourism Company project “ Siempre Joven”and I’m part of the Ballet Juvenil of Puerto Rico. My best asset is that I’m very creative, responsible, sociable, dynamic and positive. I am a person who achieves what I propose.

Paragraph 3 Ask for an interview at the employer’s convenience Include information he/she would need to contact you.

Sample sentences for establishing contact I am looking forward to meeting you to discuss my skills and qualifications for the position of ______. You may contact me at ______ or through my address __________.

_______is a company that would provide me with the opportunity to put my personality, skills and successes to work. At a personal meeting I would like to discuss with you how I will contribute to the continued growth of your company.

I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

I believe that I can apply my skills to a position within your company. I look forward to discussing with you in more detail. I will call next week to see if you agree that my qualifications seem to be a match for the position. If so, I hope to schedule an interview at a mutually convenient time. Thank you for your consideration.

Parts of the letter: the closing Sincerely, Cordially, Notice that the closing is followed by a comma (,)

Parts of the letter: signature and typed name Carmen Medina Ms. Carmen Medina Leave 4 spaces after the closing for the signature

About the Letter Be sure to state why you are writing the letter and the position that you want in the introductory paragraph To make the letter better, try to begin each paragraph differently The concluding paragraph, should include your asking for an interview or for an opportunity