CareerZone
a product of the New York State Department of Labor

Customized 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).

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:).

Dear (Mr. or Ms. ) Last Name:

Body of the Letter

First Paragraph

Get to the point, tell them what you want.
State how you found out about the job.
Samples for different situations are listed below:
Please consider my qualifications for the position of _______ that:
1. was listed in the (date) edition of (name of newspaper); or
2. (name of contact) told me you might be looking to fill; or
3. we spoke about on the phone.

Enter Your First Paragraph.

Second Paragraph

State your work-related experience (life, work, education).
Identify your skills that relate to the job.
Samples for different situations are listed below:
1. Please allow me to highlight some of my skills that relate to your requirements (List at least three).
2. The skills you require seem to match my strengths of (list at least three).
3. As a recent graduate of (name program and school), I believe the skills that I have acquired will enable me to make a contribution to your company. These skills include (list at least three).

Enter Your Second Paragraph.

Final Paragraph

Thank them; good manners never go out of style.
Request an interview.
Mention that you will follow up with a phone call.
Make sure your phone number is current.
Samples for different situations are listed below:
Thank you for your time and consideration.
1. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position. I may be contacted at (phone number) to arrange an interview.
2. I look forward to meeting you Mr./Ms. (name), and will give you a call to follow up on this letter in a few days. (Remember to call back!)
3. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss my skills further. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Enter Your Final Paragraph.

Enter Closing.

Keep the closing simple.
Choose one of the following: Sincerely, Yours truly, Respectfully yours, or create your own closing.
Include a comma.