Simple Cover Letter Writer

The cover letter (see example) is your introduction to the employer. Its main purpose is to get the employer to read the enclosed resume.

The cover letter shows how your background fits the particular job. Whenever you send out a resume, send a cover letter along with it.

The cover letter should grab the reader's attention. Give it a KISS! (Keep It Short and Simple!) The cover letter will help you get your foot in the door.

Write Your Cover Letter

Heading

Enter Your Name.

Do not abbreviate.
Be complete.
Use your legal name (nicknames are not professional).
Do not add "Mr. or Ms."

For example: Joan D. Smith

Enter Your Address.

For example: 123 Main Street Apartment 2

For example: Anytown, New York 12200

Enter Your Telephone Number.

(Area Code) ### - ####

Enter Today's Date.

Write it out (e.g. May 30, 1995).
Do not abbreviate.

Enter Addressee Name.

The person you are writing to.
Same as on envelope.
Use name and proper title.

For example: Mr. or Ms. First, Last Name

Enter Addressee Title.

For example: Store Manager

Enter the Name of the Company.

Enter Line 1 of the Address.

Enter Line 2 of the Address.

Enter Line 3 of the Address.

Enter the Salutation. (Greeting)

Begin with Mr. or Ms. followed by last name and a colon.
Do not use Miss or Mrs. even if you know the marital status.
If the name is not known, send the letter to the Director of a Unit or Department (for example: Dear Personnel Director:).

(Mr. or Ms. ) Last Name:

Body of Letter

Fill in the blanks

I am applying for the position of and believe that my experiences and skills make me an ideal candidate for the job.

Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your review.
I would like to call a few specific things to your attention.

Enter a sentence describing your greatest strength for this position.

Enter a sentence describing your next greatest strength.

Enter a sentence describing your third greatest strength.

You may add another strength for this position.

Enter Date.

Allow five days for mailing.
Write the date out (e.g. Monday, January 27, 1997).

I will call you to establish a time for us to review my resume and discuss the assets (strengths) I can bring to (the computer will place company name here).

Enter Closing.

Keep the closing simple.
Choose one of the following: Sincerely, Yours truly, Respectfully yours, or create your own closing.
Include a comma.
Sign your name above the typed name.
Remember to mail your resume with the cover letter.