Two types of Cover Letters
- Those that draw the reader in and entice them to read your resume.
- Those that eliminate you from the running before your resume gets read.
Writing the Cover Letters
- The Opening
- - Why you are writing.
- - Which position are you applying for?
- - Where did you hear about the position?
- The Main Body
- - List two or three major accomplishments
- - Give the reader a good reason to want to interview you.
- - Short, brief, yet informative summary about yourself.
- - Your career objective - what do you want to do?
- - Tailor your objective to the advertisement to which you are responding.
- The Closing
- - Express a desire for future communication.
The Cover Letter introduces your resume
- No resume should ever be sent without one.
- The resume can remain the same for every company in which you apply.
- The Cover Letter should be written separately and individually for each position.
- Be sure your letter draws a connection between the needs of the current job opening and the skills you can bring to the job.
Examples - change the words to suit your needs
- After meeting with Bonnie Hammer at Siggraph, I am sending you my resume in hopes of future employment at your firm. I am currently a student at the School of Visual Arts in New York City with an expected date of graduation in May 200_.
I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss potential career possibilities. Please feel free to call me at (212) 555-1234 at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.
- After speaking with you on Thursday, February 18, I am sending you my resume. My personal objective is to acquire a summer internship with your company. I have long been interested in Computer Art and believe that my work experience combined with my educational background at the School of Visual Arts, qualify me for such a position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- I am writing to you regarding obtaining a position with Blank Dot Com. I have long been interested in Graphic Design and Animation and believe that my work experience together with my educational background at the School of Visual Arts, qualify me for such a position. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- I am writing to you regarding the Web Master position that you advertised on Monster.com.
My online resume, references and portfolio can be viewed at http://www.mywebsite.com/html/resume.html I have also attached an ascii version of my resume to the bottom of this message.
I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further. Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely yours,