What is a Cover Letter ?

A cover letter or covering letter or motivation letter or motivational letter or letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a resume or curriculum vitae. Job seekers frequently send resumes or employment applications as attachments to a cover letter, by way of introducing themselves to recruiters or prospective employers and indicating their interest in the positions. Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully written cover letters to screen applicants who are not sufficiently interested in their position or who lack the required writing skills. A cover letter is an accompanying letter that introduces you and your resume to a potential employer. You can send a cover letter with every resume you submit. A cover letter should not be longer than one page in length and contain 2 to 3 short paragraphs. Use meaningful information; you do not want to waste the readers time by writing irrelevant filler sentences. Use Times New Roman font, because it is the official engineering and business font. Do not make the sentences too short in length; too short may mean that you did not make much effort in application and so your motivation looks low. There are three types of cover letters: * The application letter or invited cover letter which responds to a known job opening; * The prospecting letter or uninvited cover letter which inquires about possible positions; * The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search.

Cover Letter Format

Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email Address Date

Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact) Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Complimentary Close Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature

Types of Cover Letters

Here are select cover letters you may need throughout your job-search campaign: COLD-CONTACT COVER LETTER A letter sent to a company, which may not have publicly advertised open positions is called a cold-contact letter. Youre introducing yourself to the company with the hopes that your resume will arrive at an opportunistic time. With that, it may spark enough interest to result in a job interview. For obvious reasons, a cold-contact letter will generate the fewest leads. Your correspondence will be faced with too many obstacles, such as a strained hiring department, the potential that a position doesnt exist for you, and possibly, your skill set doesnt match their needs even if theyre hiring. A cold-contact letter is also known as an introductory or broadcast letter. JOB-SPECIFIC COVER LETTER The most promising cover letter to send is the one sent for an open position. The company is seeking a new recruit and youre perfect for the position; therefore, you shoot off a letter that highlights the key mentionables of your career in relation to the companys needs. A job-specific letter is also known as an ad-response letter. REFERRAL COVER LETTER Probably one of the best producers, a referral letter means that youve been referred to the company through a mutual acquaintance. Its best to mention your referrer within the body of your letter, and preferably, place their name as prominently towards the top of the content as possible (first sentence would be great!). A referral letter is also known as a networking or sponsor letter. Since networking is still king when locating prime employment opportunities, a referral letter represents your best chances. FOLLOW-UP COVER LETTER A follow-up letter seems like a last ditch effort on the part of a job seeker, but it can actually make your candidacy. Companies dont always make hiring decisions when expected, so sending a follow-up letter a couple weeks after the submission of your original resume and cover letter or a few days after an interview can actually reflect your ambition and dedication to employers. In some cases making you a more viable option to employers. When sending a follow-up letter, list new and unique content whenever possible. Try not to regurgitate details contained in your original cover letter. Instead, expand upon details that put new angles or views on your work history. A follow-up letter could be referred to as a reintroduction or

thank-you letter although a thank-you letter is oftentimes only a few sentences, you could take a different approach by including 2-3 paragraphs instead. The terminology may throw you, but their meanings arent a mystery. Be sure to utilize unique content regardless of which letter type you use. The one complaint that hiring managers have with job seekers is that they oftentimes receive letters that are obviously, and sometimes blatantly, canned. When sending a letter, whether the content is canned or unique to the specific company and recipient, be sure that the reader is left with the impression that the letter was written specifically for him no exceptions.

How to write a cover letter?

You could write the best resume in the world and be highly qualified for a job, but if your cover letter is poorly written, generic, or misguided, you can pretty much throw your chances out the window. The cover letter is your first, and sometimes your only opportunity to grab an employers attention and let them know why your resume is worth reading. Since there are many different ways to write a cover letter, depending on the employer and the method of transmission, for example, here are some ways to make yours stand out along with some examples you can tweak to your liking.

Before Writing the Letter

1. Update your resume. If you don't already have a resume, then write one -- the experiences and skills you list on your resume should be tailored to the particular position you're applying for, reflecting strengths that will be desirable to your potential employer. 2. Research the target organization or business so you can include information or facts relating to your desired job or industry. This will not only help you in writing a relevant cover letter but it will also be useful if you get an interview. Some key items you should become familiar with: * What is the employers mission? What do they promote as setting themselves apart from competitors? * What kind of customer base does the employer cater to? What

kinds of people are in their target market? * What are the company or organizations values? Innovation? Service? Diversity? Sustainability? * What is the history of the employer? Who was the founder? How has the business or organization evolved? 3. Analyze the job. Read the job description carefully. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for. Write them down, and put a check mark next to the ones you have. 4. Find the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work in. Use your network. Do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you? If not, call the HR department.

While Writing the Letter

1. Format the heading elements correctly. Line spacing and address conventions mainly apply for a paper cover letter. For an online version that is not likely to be printed out, the date alone may be sufficient, or not even required.

* Include your address at the top (in the right hand corner approximately 1 inch down from the top of the page). * Skip down 4 lines and enter the date. * Skip down 4 more lines and enter the Contact Person, then the name and address of the company. Write to a specific person, not "To whom it may concern", or "Dear Sir/Madam", whenever possible. 2. Write the body of your letter with three or four paragraphs.

* In the first paragraph, tell the employer why you're writing to them in two or three sentences. State the position you are applying for. Avoid the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of ___ advertised in ___". Design your opening to get the reader to sit up and pay attention to what you can do. It's unnecessary to specify how you became aware of the

position unless it's through a mutual contact or recruiting program. If you're writing a letter of interest (also known as a prospecting or inquiry letter), in which you're asking about positions that might be available, specify why you are interested in working for the employer. * In the next one or two paragraphs, outline your qualifications and match them to the requirements of the position. Show enthusiasm and a desire to help the company reach its goals. Show the employer what you can contribute to their bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal. Use what you've researched about the employers background and history. Try to make two or three solid points, backed up by specific examples. Relate some relevant details about the company so the employer knows you did some research ahead of time. * In the final paragraph, include a positive statement or question that will cause the employer to want to take action. Make this closing paragraph between 2-4 sentences. Direct the employer to the enclosed resume, make your availability known for an interview, and if you want to be assertive, state when you will contact them to set up a meeting time to discuss the opportunity in further detail. Provide your own contact information (phone number, e-mail address) and welcome them to get in touch. It's very important to finish off by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. 3. Conclude with "Yours sincerely," (if you have addressed the letter to a named person), "Yours faithfully," (if you have used a "Dear Sir" approach) or "Regards," and leave four blank lines to sign your name in blue ink. If you use black ink, they may think it is a copy. If this is online, leave only one or two blank lines. 4. Proofread. This is essential. Some things to look out for are:

* Be sure you have spelled everything correctly. * Own what you've accomplished, grammatically speaking (e.g. avoid "this experience gave me the opportunity to..." or worse, "these goals were met by me."). You don't want to sound like everything happened to you or was done by some other entity. Make yourself the active subject of every sentence (e.g. In this experience, I developed/reinforced/learned/etc."). But that doesn't mean every single sentence should start with "I..." so vary your syntax accordingly.

* Break down any contractions (e.g. "I've" to "I have"). * Avoid colloquial (informal) writing. You want to sound professional, objective, and educated. * Check the punctuation use carefully. * Keep the letter to one page -- the purpose of the cover letter is to get the hiring manager to read your resume! If the letter is spilling onto a second page, it's time to tighten your points and edit the fluff. * Your tone should be upbeat, professional and informative. The employer wants to know what you can do for them, so sell yourself and your skills in a positive way. Keep that in mind as you write and proofread each paragraph.

Cover Letter Questions

Answer the following questions, then use each answer in the corresponding spot of the sample cover letter:

1. Name of person you are addressing the contact letter to. 2. Your role or current job. * "graduate student in environmental science" * "customer service professional" 3. A general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying. * "fifteen years of customer service" * "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery" * "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"

4. A positive description of the employer. * "what many consider to be the most progressive medical institution in the state of Rhode Island" * "a well-established company with a long history of gourmet creativity" 5. Assets you can offer to the company. List one to three. * "extensive experience with start-ups" * "demonstrated ability to solve problems" * "refined ability to manage teams" 6. Key skill/experience/accomplishment, and how it can help the company achieve its mission. List two to three of these. Be specific.

Sample Cover Letters Cover Letter Keywords

Hardest Way of Job Seekers - My Story!

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; Second , by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.- Confucius Now I am going to tell you a story about myself that took place a few months ago. Every person gets to a moment in his life when he wants

something new. A new job, a new love story, a new car, a new haircut if you want to. I have decided to change my job. I was pressed by a mortgage loan for my lodging, I had a lease for my automobile. After a long search I found a job ad that suited my requirements for a desired job well paid, with opportunity for a career growth and in the vicinity of my home. Now I had to face something that terrified me! The composition of a cover letter .Yes, will say most of you a big deal! You write something for your previous experience, your strong characteristics, qualities and skills and its ready! I wanted to see it with my eyes. And the searching began. I had to see how others like me overcome that difficulty. To my great astonishment I couldnt find a similar example. There were lots of ready letters, but nowhere could I find the advertisement for which the person had applied and whether the candidate had succeeded. Advices from experts and other guru in this field werent missing, but I continued searching for my ideal cover letter. I browsed sites where I had to pay members fee, I saw programs for the preparation of ready cover letters only with a few mouse clicks. Hey!, I said to myself. My wish is not to become an expert. I want to compose a motivation letter and to get the job! I didnt find that. It was much easier to attain a serial number for Windows Vista and to watch the new Hollywood hit, for example, than to see a real cover letter. A letter composed by a real person (like all of us) for a certain job application. Now when I look back I think of that time during the past summer with a smile on the face. And I made up my mind. I was going to create a blog where to publish cover letters, letters, written by ordinary people people like you and me. I just chose the difficult way. Meanwhile I got the job! Finally Id like to ask you for one more thing. If you like the blog content or if you dont write to me! Youd like other people to see how youve written your cover letter send it to me and Ill publish it! Or youve added a link to my site? at least let me thank you! Use the contact form to send me a message or directly this email: suggestions[at]realcoverletter.com

Dont walk behind me; I may not lead. Dont walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus

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