Job Application - Cover Letter Samples

Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing cover letters to send with your resume.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

There are three general types of cover letters:

·         The application letter which responds to a known job opening (review samples)

·         The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (review samples)

·         The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (review samples)

COVER LETTER FORMAT

Your Contact Information
Name
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

·         Cover Letter Contact Section Examples

Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact or using Dear Hiring Manager or one of the other examples below)

SUBJECT

·         Cover Letter Greeting Examples

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)

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Contact Name
Title
Company Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Contact Person:

I'm writing to express my interest in the Web Content Manager position listed on CareerBuilder.com. I have experience building large, consumer-focused health-based content sites. While much of my experience has been in the business world, I understand the social value of the non-profit sector and my business experience will be an asset to your organization.

My responsibilities included the development and management of the site's editorial voice and style, the editorial calendar, and the daily content programming and production of the web site. I worked closely with health care professionals and medical editors to help them provide the best possible information to a consumer audience of patients. In addition, I helped physicians learn to utilize their medical content to write user-friendly, readily comprehensible text.

Experience has taught me how to build strong relationships with all departments at an organization. I have the ability to work within a team as well as cross-team. I can work with web engineers to resolve technical issues and implement technical enhancements, work with the development department to implement design and functional enhancements, and monitor site statistics and conduct search engine optimization.

I am currently earning in the mid-fifties.

Thank you for your consideration.

Signature

FirstName LastName

=======

SAMPLE 2

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Your IT department has advertised two job openings for which my experience directly qualifies me. While I do not have any direct chemical industry experience I do have nuclear power experience. The two are not directly related, but both industries endure extreme regulatory pressure for environmental impact. I have been exposed to this kind of regulatory environment and I recognize how vital IT is for the record keeping that is necessary for dealing with that kind of scrutiny.

My IT experience gives me a unique ability to apply technology, in all its forms, to business processes. Some of the business process knowledge includes accounting, finance, facilities, inventory control, budgeting, vendor management and various operational processes.

I have experience with merger/acquisition events, high growth challenges, technology replacement projects and IT process improvement. I have delivered large technology projects on schedule/on budget and in alignment with the business strategy. Companies I have worked for include Dakil Energy, Hoppy Rent a Car, Digit Equipment, and Miners Gas and Electric.

I would enjoy an opportunity to talk with you or someone in your organization to see where my skill set would be of the greatest benefit to your company.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Name