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Cover Letters

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce your resume to prospective employers. You want your cover letter to be clear and concise and neat in appearance.

Remember these key points:

  • Should accompany every resume
  • Should be personalized to specific company
  • Should be tailored to specific position
  • Should be directed to specific person
  • Must be free of spelling or grammatical errors

SKELETON COVER LETTER

Your address
City, State
Date

Mr./Ms. Employer Information
Title
Company name
Address
City, State  Zip

Dear Mr./Ms. --------:

1st Paragraph:     *Position title *specific department *how you learned of the
                           position *resume enclosed

2nd Paragraph:     *Show how your skills and experience qualify to meet the
                           specifications of the position you are applying for and
                           information about the company

3rd Paragraph:     *Request a personal interview *mention a time that would be
                          convenient for you to meet with them to discuss further
                          employment/interview opportunities. Thank the employer for
                          his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(sign here)

Your name

Enclosure

 

SAMPLE Computer-Related COVER LETTER

1234 Beau Road
Mayfield, KY 42066
April 14, 2000
 
 

Mr. Jackson Jones, Director
Netscale Communications, Inc.
4321 Net Building, Suite 444
Nashville, IN  54219

Dear Mr. Jones:

Please accept the enclosed resume as application for the position of Systems Analyst with Netscale Communications, Inc. The position description depicts my career interests and will utilize my educational background and previous employment experiences.

The position of Systems Analyst requires experience using knowledge and skill in a problem solving capacity and implementing computer technology means to meet the individual needs of Netscale Communications, Inc. As a recent graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, I have had experience with determining the nature of data processing problems, and I am confident that my background in business, scientific, and engineering data processing will allow me to devise or improve your current systems. During a cooperative education experience, I had the responsibility of determining what computer hardware and software was needed to set up a system and implement adjustments to the system. I want to apply my skills to Netscale Communications, Inc. as the company is highly regarded as being one of the top ten successful corporations in 1999, according to Computer Digest.

Please consider my request for a personal interview to discuss further employment opportunities. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience at (270) 555-5555. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
 
 

Ray Thomas

Enclosure


SAMPLE EDUCATION COVER LETTER

1234 Happy Street
Murray, KY 00000
March 3, 2000
 
 

Mr. Kevin Banks, Superintendent
Sunshine School District #4
1333 Sunshine Road
Happytown, KY 00000

Dear Mr. Banks:

Please accept the enclosed resume as application for an elementary level teaching position with Sunshine School District #4. I am confident that my teaching abilities and experiences will match the requirements of this position.

I will receive my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English from Murray State University in May 2000. I have gained valuable teaching skills from my student teaching and substituting experiences, including flexibility, time management and classroom management skills. Working with children at a child development center and volunteering with the Murray Family YMCA allow me to work with diversified groups of children.

Please accept my request for a personal interview, as it would be an honor to work for Kentucky's largest school district. I may be reached at (270) 555-555 or by e-mail at mynameis@email.com at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
 
 

Beth Gateway

Enclosure