1. Creating a Cover Letter

2. When to Use a Cover Letter
Applying for a Scholarship or Award
Applying to a College
Applying for a Job

3. How to Set Up your Cover Letter
Use business letter format (all lines begin at the left margin)
Return address and date are on the top three lines
The name and address to whom you are applying follows a double space below
Salutation followed by a colon :

4. 1234 Fifth Street City, State Zip January 1, 2008 Mr
1234 Fifth Street City, State Zip January 1, Mr. John Marshall Big City College 5678 Ninth Street College, Ohio Dear Mr. Marshall: (Its best to use a name. If you cannot find a specific person to address the letter to, use “Ladies and Gentlemen:” or “Dear Sir or Madam:”. Do NOT use “To Whom it May Concern”) Note that there are no abbreviations!

5. Setting Up Body Paragraphs
Explain why you are sending a resume
Don’t send a resume without a cover letter
Don’t make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific
Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position after graduation
Identify your goal and why you are sending this letter

6. Setting Up Body Paragraphs
Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization
Was it from a flyer posted somewhere?
Did you see it on a Website?
Did you hear it from a family friend who works at the organization?
It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write

7. Setting Up Body Paragraphs
Convince the reader to look at your resume
Cover letter will be seen first
Must be very well written
Must target the employer
Refer to your resume; i.e., “As you can see from my resume, I have experience . . .”

8. Setting Up Body Paragraphs
Call attention to elements of your background
Education, leadership, experience—that are relevant to a position you are seeking.
Be as specific as possible
Use examples
Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills

9. Setting Up Body Paragraphs
Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in an advertisement that might not be covered in your resume
Such as availability date, whether you own transportation, are willing to travel, etc.
Some employers want to see how well you can express yourself and will ask for an autobiography or other type of essay

10. The Final Paragraph Indicate what you will do to follow-up
Applicants often say something like, “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Unless the employer has stated “No phone calls,” take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, “I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications.”
Mention how and when you can be reached: “I can be reached after 4 p.m. at ”

11. Closing of Cover Letter
Closing: Sincerely
Skip three lines so you can put in your signature
Key your first and last name
Double space and put “Enclosure” as you will be sending your resume with the cover letter

12. Sincerely, John Doe Enclosure