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Cover Letters

Cover Letters. Project Mentor New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ Partially funded by a grant from the NJ Commission on Higher Education. What Is a Cover Letter?. A cover letter introduces you to a prospective employer, expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position.

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Cover Letters

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  1. Cover Letters Project Mentor New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ Partially funded by a grant from the NJ Commission on Higher Education

  2. What Is a Cover Letter? A cover letter introduces you to a prospective employer, expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position.

  3. What Does a Good Cover Letter Accomplish • A good cover letter captures the reader’s interest • It begins the process of “selling” yourself to the prospective employer • It demonstrates your interest and knowledge of the company

  4. Format No longer than one typed page Three Parts Why you are sending your resume How your qualifications match the job Conclusion Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence

  5. Introductory Paragraph Your first paragraph should: Get the reader’s attention Stimulate interest Be appropriate for the job you are seeking Make your goal clear to readers

  6. The Body Paragraphs Highlight your strongest qualifications Match qualifications to the position you are seeking Demonstrate how your skills and qualities will benefit the employer Refer to your enclosed resume for more detail

  7. Use concrete words to describe your experience and results Use present tense to discuss current activities and past tense for previous job duties or accomplishments Be as specific as possible in descriptions Examples I organized and advertised a conference… Attendance increased by 25% Developed menusfor members of a senior center Designedthe web page for our local food bank Use Clear Active Language

  8. Concluding Your Letter I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you, at your convenience, to discuss my qualifications and learn more about XYZ Company. You can reach me at the above address, phone numbers and email. Thank you for considering me for the position of IT technician. Conclude by asking for a personal interview Be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview Be specific about how the interviewer should contact you Include a thank you

  9. Summary • First • Explain why you are sending a resume • Tell how you learned about the position or the organization (a job posting at your school, a website, an individual who works at the organization) • Convince the reader to look at your resume • Second • Focus on elements of your background (education, work experience, activities) that are relevant to a position you are seeking • Give one or two specific examples. Indicate your positive qualities (attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills)  • Provide any information that was requested in the job posting that might not be covered in your resume (e.g. availability date or including a writing sample) 

  10. Third • Indicate your desire for an interview • “I look forward to hearing from you.“ • Say you will follow up • “I will call your office in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications." 

  11. Check List • Proofread • Spelling • Grammar • Typos • Use same paper as your resume • Good letter quality • No designs or colors • Signature • Full name • Write neatly • Make sure both the resume and letter are enclosed

  12. Additional Letter Writing Assistance • NJCU Office of Academic Career Planning and Placementhttp://www.njcu.edu/dept/acp • www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples • www.whitesmoke.com/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-a-job-application.html

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