This type of letter was originally called a cover letter because it went along with, and "covered" a résumé. Different situations need different types of letters. You may find that you don’t need to send many formal letters on a regular basis. However, a job search should not be treated as a "normal" event. Many job seekers get by with informal thank-you notes sent with copies of résumés. But certain types of jobs, and some organizations, require a more formal approach. Rather than trying to figure out what you can "get by" with, use a formal letter each time. As always, make certain that all your job search correspondence makes a good impression.

Cover letters should be much more than an afterthought. A well-written cover letter can be just as important as a résumé in marketing your skills and experiences to a prospective employer. A cover letter can draw the attention of employers to those particular aspects of your skills and experiences that match their stated needs. Whereas the résumé is usually a general guide to your most marketable skills and abilities, the cover letter is a more specific tool that should be customized for each job lead.

An excellent way to show an employer how you can fill a position is to provide him/her with a comparison between the stated needs and your skills and experiences that meets these needs. (Check out the cover letter sample page 50.)

Managers are very busy people. They read dozens of letters, reports, memos and proposals each week. They won’t read long letters that never seem to get to the point. Keep your letter brief, clear and to the point. Sell them on the idea of granting you what you want – an interview. Send each manager on your list an individualized letter, addressed directly (and correctly) to him or her. Here’s the magic formula for writing a professional, formal (sales) letter.

Here are some additional suggestions to help you create and use superior cover letters. Although, these tips work for cover letters, they also work for most business correspondence.

1. Send the letter to someone by name. Get the name of the person who is most likely to supervise you.

2. Get it right. Make sure you get the person’s name, organization name and address right. Include the person’s correct job title. Make sure that your letter does not contain any grammar errors or other errors since this will create a poor impression.

3. Be clear about what you want. If you want an interview, ask for it. If you are interested in the organization, say so. Give clear, concise reasons why they should consider you.

4. Be friendly and professional. A professional, formal style is usually best. Avoid a hard sell "Hire me now!" approach. No one likes to be pushed.

5. Make it look good. Just as with a résumé, any correspondence to an employer must look good. Use good quality paper and matching envelopes. A standard business format is good for most letters.

6. Target your letter. Typical reasons for sending a cover letter include: responding to an ad, preparing an employer for an interview and following up after a phone call or interview. Each of these letters will be different.

7. Follow up. Remember that contacting an employer directly is much more effective than sending a letter. Don’t expect letters to get you many interviews. They are best used to follow up after you have contacted the employer.

Your Name: _____________________________________________________________

Your Address: ___________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________________

Manager’s Name: ________________________________________________________

Title or Position: _________________________________________________________

Company’s Name: ________________________________________________________

Employer Street Address: __________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________

Dear (Mr./Ms.): __________________________________________________________

Seize Attention: __________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________.

Perk Interest: ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________.

Get Down To Business: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________.

Show Your Stuff: ________________________________________________________

Your Requirements:

• _____________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________

My Skills/Experiences:

• _____________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________
• _____________________________________________________________

Wrap it up: _____________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________.

Sincerely,

Your signature

Your Typed Name

Your Name 
Your Address 
Your City, Your State Your Zip

Date

Mr. Or Ms. Hiring Manager Name 
Title 
Company Name 
Company Address 
Company City, Company State Company Zip

Dear Mr. Or Ms. Hiring Manager Name:

This is in reply to your advertisement for an Accounting Representative which appeared in the Sunday, Courier-Journal on September 1, 2000. As the following comparison shows, my experience and background match this position’s requirements.

I would like to call you on Thursday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. for an opportunity to personally discuss the position with you.

Sincerely,

(Your signature here)

Your Full Name