Cover Letter 4-1-1
- Persuasive letter that always accompanies a resume
- Resume states what you have done; cover letter states what you can do for the company
- Should always be addressed to an individual or at least a title (avoid addressing to “To Whom It May Concern”)
- No more than one page in length
- Like a resume, should be custom written for the job
- Highlight strengths for the job so employer gives attention to your resume over the many others received
- Should, to an extent, reflect your personality
GENERAL PLAN
Four basic paragraphs in cover letter
PARAGRAPH 1 – GAIN ATTENTION
- Two requirements; gain attention appropriately and set up the review of information to follow
- Gain attention in three different ways:
….1. Show knowledge of the reader’s operations
….2. Stress a need of the reader that you can fill
….3. Use the name of an employee as a reference (name drop)
- Clearly identify the job you are applying for and begin to show your qualification
PARAGRAPH 2 – SELECT CONTENT
- Present key points from your resume highlighting facts that best match job requirements
- Skills summary or profile in resume is a good starting place for this section:
….- Job positions
….- Specific learned skills – courses, technical skills
….- Soft skills – punctual, trustworthy, excellent team player, leadership
PARAGRAPH 3 – WRITE FOR IMPACT
- State ideas from your resume in a different way adding information and ideas not present in your resume
- Give examples describing specific situations in which you have used the required skills
- Do not overuse the word “I”; makes letter sound egotistical
PARAGRAPH 4 – CLOSING: ASKING FOR ACTION
- Opportunity to request an action from the employer
- Request an Interview, Invitation to call references, or to be notified of any job openings
- State action clearly and directly
[Message last modified 04-29-2005 02:17am by tcm_pres]
Betty Wantsajob (centered)
123 Searching Road, Employment City, ON N5Y 2R4 (centered)
(519) 123-4567 (centered)
April 28, 2005 (Date Typed)
ABC Company (Receiver’s Company’s Name and Address)
122 High Street
Toronto, ON
N7T 5D8
Attention: Mr. Peter Smith, Human Resources Manager (Receiver)
Dear Mr. Smith:
Subject: Job Posting # 4566
Please accept the enclosed resume as my application for the position of General Assembler with ABC Company, as advertised in the Toronto Star on Saturday, April 23, 2005. Having seen your facility in action, I am very impressed with both your process and your product. I believe that my skills, experience, and motivation make me an excellent candidate for a position in this capacity.
As indicated in my resume, I am a Grade 12 graduate with an academic focus in math and science. In addition to my academic qualifications, I gained valuable hands-on work experience in a variety of employment environments. I have worked for several years in the manufacturing environment using a wide range of heavy machinery. I also have my forklift operator’s license. I possess strong team building and leadership skills and a friendly cooperative personality. I have demonstrated my abilities to accept new challenges with a positive, optimistic attitude and to learn new skills and concepts quickly. I believe that I have a very realistic idea of what is expected of employees in an industrial manufacturing environment and I know that I possess the dedication, aptitude, work ethic and drive to perform well as a team member.
While in my previous job in manufacturing, I was promoted quickly to foreperson. I was able to earn the respect of both my employer and my colleagues by adapting quickly to the change, learning the new elements of the position rapidly, and maintaining a friendly yet authoritative relationship with previous co-workers. I also volunteered to oversee the training of new employees whereby I developed a novel training program that integrated both theoretic learning and practical application. I am confident that you will find me to be a productive, competent, and reliable member of your production team.
I look forward to meeting with you at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications as they pertain to your needs. I can be contacted for an interview at the number listed above.
Yours truly,
Betty Wantsajob
[Message last modified 04-29-2005 02:15am by tcm_pres]
Anyone know what a CV is in submitting an application? Is it some sort of a cover letter?
From my point of view, the sample letter that is posted on this thread is too long… Immediately I would lose interest in reading it… Keeping it short, simple and straight to the objective is key to a good cover letter..Cover letter should primarily state your intention, please don’t go into details about your qualifications, that’s what a resume is for….Always have your name and contact info at the top left of the letter as well with enclosures below your name at the very bottom the your letter…
If you question my suggestion, please ask me.. This is what i do for a living, I read and sift through thousands of resume every week…
[Message last modified 06-07-2005 04:23pm by Smaradeysrey]
[i]Originally posted by chut[/i]
Anyone know what a CV is in submitting an application? Is it some sort of a cover letter?
Curriculum Vitae is another way of saying “Resume”
Full Name
Street Address
City of Residence
Postal Code
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Wednesday, June 8th, 2005
Dear Sir or Madam (if you have their names, address them by it instead),
Please consider this letter of introduction as an expression of my interest in exploring professional opportunities with your organization. I have enclosed my resume for your review.
My experience and education have allowed me to develop my interpersonal and communication skills significantly. I have had experience working with a diverse group of people; which has helped me to understand team dynamics and earn gainful experience honing my (insert your skill or area of expertise here). This experience is complemented by my earnest desire to pursue a (insert your career field of interest here) career in the field as a (specific occupation title) .
I am confident I encompass the skills and experience required for this position. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your company’s future success. Thank you for your time, consideration and forthcoming response.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Khemrak Sarun
Enclosure
This is what I use, if you’d like to copy and adjust it, feel free to do so.
Full Name
Street Address
City of Residence, Province of Residence
Postal Code
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
Wednesday, June 8th, 2005
Dear Sir or Madam (if you have their names, address them by it instead),
Please consider this letter of introduction as an expression of my interest in exploring professional opportunities with your organization. I have enclosed my resume for your review.
My experience and education have allowed me to develop my interpersonal and communication skills significantly. I have had experience working with a diverse group of people; which has helped me to understand team dynamics and earn gainful experience honing my (insert your skill or area of expertise here). This experience is complemented by my earnest desire to pursue a (insert your career field of interest here) career in the field as a (specific occupation title) .
I am confident I encompass the skills and experience required for this position. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your organization’s future success. Thank you for your time, consideration and forthcoming response.
Sincerely,
[signed]
(your full name)
Enclosure
This is what I use, if you’d like to copy and adjust it, feel free to do so.
[Message last modified 06-08-2005 10:44am by khemrak]
Perfect example Khemrak…
bump for impact
Here is my Cover letter:
KimPirun98
54 Broson ave
Ottawa Ontario
T1G-2V7
(613) 343-4489
Dear Maddam and Sir!!!
Im very interested position Technical Pharmacy, cuz its matched to my career and experience as well. I have a strong commitment of plan to bring your comapy up in high level when I become your employee. I hope to see you in a very short future in order to discuss my career that relates to your organization, and I also included my resume within my cover letter.
I thank you very much for you taking time to considering my cover letter. And Im looking forward to hear good news from you soon.
My sincerely,
Kim
[Message last modified 11-02-2011 12:34am by kimpirun98]
Thank you guys ![]()


