What Is The Purpose of A Cover Letter?
What Is The Purpose of A Cover Letter?
A COVER LETTER is a professional letter that accompanies your resume when you
seek employment. A cover letter introduces you to the employer and clearly highlights
and summaries your credentials and career successes.
Introduce yourself and your Resume to the employer, clearly defining “who you are” (a
teacher, sales manager, accountant);
Motivate the reader (potential employer) to call and offer you the opportunity for an
interview.
Consider a cover letter as a sales pitch in answer to the question “Why Should I Hire
You?” and it will increase chances of grabbing an employer’s attention
Personalize, keep it brief, concise and to the point (3 to 4 paragraphs)
Emphasize 3 to 4 strongest reasons why you are the best candidate
Do not restate word for word from your resume
Always draw parallels from previous work experience, demonstrate interest and
company knowledge
Use business English, check grammar and spellings
Include action verbs such as “designed or implemented” (past tense)
Use the active voice whenever possible
Is it easy to read (spacing, typeface) and just one page
Does it project confidence?
Does it include a “thank you” statement?
POINTS TO CONSIDER
Respond to the need of the company and the target audience – person in charge
of hiring
HEADER
Date
Employer’s Name
Title
Name of the Company
Address
City, Province
Postal Code
The Salutation Dear Mrs. Jones, (try using the name of a specific person, if you
cannot find out what the person’s name is use: Dear Hiring
Manager)
Second Refer to the job advertisement and state the skills you have which
Paragraph they specifically requested (this will prevent them from screening
you out).
In addition, mention any other skills that you have that relate to the
position and self management skills.
Third Paragraph Demonstrate some knowledge about the company, let the employer
know why you want to work for their company.
Closing Request an interview, thank the employer for taking the time to
consider your application and indicate when you will follow-up.
Sincerely yours,
Your Signature
Your name: (type your name here and sign in the space directly
above)
Enclosed: (this lets the employer know that your resume is
attached)
Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, this is your chance to
create a good first impression.
The Salutation should specify the reader’s name in formal fashion (e.g. Dear Ms. or Mr.
Brown). If a “first name” basis was established through a previous conversation, you
could use “Dear Sandy”. If you are unable to identify the name of the reader then, the
most commonly used version is “Dear Hiring Manager”, “Dear Hiring Committee” or
“Dear Human Resources Manager”.
The introduction should serve to catch the reader’s attention and make it clear what
position is of interest to you. It is a good idea to refer to a previous telephone
conversation, or mention any contacts that may have referred you. The introduction
should show a link between the skills you possess and the organization’s needs.
This paragraph should provide specific information about the skills that you have. Here
you can describe in further detail your qualifications and respond to every possible
requirement that is mentioned in the ad Keep in mind the reader’s time is limited, but do
not sell yourself short or omit vital information. Show your enthusiasm for the position
and the company.
May be written in a paragraph or bullet form
The T-Bar exercise is an excellent way to write this paragraph
Remember to use accomplishment statements
Use industry buzz and language to make your point
Indicate why you feel you would like to work for this company. Demonstrate that you
have some knowledge of this organization (products, services, position in the
community, etc.)
Add areas of special interest to the employer
Draw specific attention to special projects or tools you may have used related to
the position
Final Paragraph
The last paragraph should request an interview and indicate a time frame when you will
follow up. One to two weeks is recommended. The letter can be completed by
thanking the reader for his/her consideration and by confirming your interest in the
position. Include your contact information and how you can be reached.
Closing A commonly used closing is “Sincerely” followed by your signature and your full
name.