Job - cover letter guide

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Job Cover Letter - Guide (ver: 08/01/2002)

1. Always write to a specific individual rather than a personnel office. Whenever feasible, use networking sources to introduce yourself in the opening paragraph of your letter. Be sure you spell the individual's name correctly.

2. Show the employer that you've done your homework and have a genuine grasp of the organization's personnel needs and philosophy of business. Be sincere in your praise, but don't over do it!

3. Write each cover letter separately, even if you use a common framework. Personalize the letter with a sentence or two designed to reflect your sincere interest in the specific employer.

4. Use natural language in simple, clear sentences. Don't try to impress the reader with unusual vocabulary or complicated sentence structures.

5. Express your capabilities with confidence, but avoid exaggerating your level of experience. Two part time jobs at a department store do not constitute "extensive" retail management experience.

6. Check and recheck your letter for correctness with regard to spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Be sure to have someone who is a good writer review your letter with you.

7. Make sure the final letter is completely professional in appearance. Use standard business letter format on stationery that matches your resume. Do not use dot matrix printers or inferior typewriter ribbons.

8. Finish your letter with a strong closing which indicates the action you desire. Take the initiative by requesting an interview and/or stating your intention to call in a week or two.

9. Let your personality and energy shine through your words. Use a few vivid details about your background to capture the reader's interest.

10. It is important to mention activities, honors, and special skills. These can show the skills that employers look for such as leadership, organization, critical thinking, teamwork, self management, initiative, and influencing others.

11. Keep copies of everything you send, and follow up according to your stated intentions. However, don't rely too heavily on cover letters to get your job. Pursue other avenues of inquiry as well.

SAMPLE 1

                   Your Address 
                   City, State, Zip
                   Date

(Use individual's name)
Employer's Address
Street, etc.
City, State, Zip

Dear          :

FIRST PARAGRAPH:  State the reason why you are writing.  Explain
the type of work you are interested in, and indicate how you
learned about the employer and/or the specific opening. 

SECOND PARAGRAPH:  Be specific about why you are interested in
the position.  Briefly summarize some of your strongest
qualifications to do the work.  Remember to consider this from an
employer's point of view.  Show what you have to offer the
employer; don't merely daydream about what the employer can offer
you.

CLOSING PARAGRAPH(S):  Refer the reader to the resume (or
application form) you are enclosing.  Declare your interest in an
interview and offer to provide further information upon request.
Invite a response by asking a question and/or indicating what
follow-up you have in mind.

                   Sincerely,



                   Your name (typed)

Enclosure

SAMPLE 2

                   125 Oak Street
                   Blokefield, KY
                   January 9, 1991 

Mr. Jake T. Matuza, Director
Voguefoods, Inc.
1725 East Canton Street 
Backwater, Kentucky 48885
 
Dear Mr. Matuza:

Recently I spoke with your Director of Food Services, Gordon  
Burger.  He informed me of your intentions of implementing a more
health-conscious food program at Voguefoods, Inc.  and suggested
I contact you.  As you can see from my resume my credentials in
the food science industry would enable me to successfully promote
the growth of such a program.
       
In the spring of next year, I will be receiving a Masters Degree
in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management from Michigan
State University.  In addition to my degree, I have over four
years of work experience in the field of food service.  This
opportunity has familiarized me with diet therapy, food
chemistry, menu-planning, and food administration.

The American Institutions Food Service Association recently
recognized me for my achievements in menu-planning with the
Hilton Hotels Corporation.  I am health-conscious and enjoy
working closely with others.  My feelings are very positive about
your organization, and I know that I could make a significant
contribution to it.

Given the opportunity, I would be pleased to meet with you and
discuss how I might be able to promote the growth of a  
nutritional food program at Voguefoods.  I will call you on
Monday, January 16, to determine your interest and, if
appropriate, to arrange for a personal meeting.

I am looking forward to meeting with you.

                   Sincerely,


                   Ima Perfect
Enclosure