7.2: Part II- Cover Letter
- Page ID
- 36434
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)
\( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\)
\( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\)
\( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\)
\( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\)
\( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\)
\( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\)
\( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorA}[1]{\vec{#1}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorAt}[1]{\vec{\text{#1}}} % arrow\)
\( \newcommand{\vectorB}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorC}[1]{\textbf{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorD}[1]{\overrightarrow{#1}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectorDt}[1]{\overrightarrow{\text{#1}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vectE}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{\mathbf {#1}}}} \)
\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \)
\( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)
\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)You only get to make a first impression one time. Writing that perfect cover letter is crucial for making a positive first impression on potential employers. What do you think of this one?
Dear Company A:
My resume is enclosed. I hope you like it.
George Jones
Not exactly inspirational, is it? The reader will probably note the lack of professionalism and set it aside. So, what should this cover letter include? Sufficient concise content that will pique the reader’s interest in continuing to read and evaluate the resume.
You already know to keep your resume concise and stick to the most relevant information. If possible, do the same with your cover letter, limiting it to one page. Use a professional format with a clean and easy-to-read serif* font, such as Times New Roman. Use standard business letter formatting. You can find templates for business letters in Microsoft Word as well as Google and other internet sites.
Cover Letter Content
A well-written cover letter is your chance to shine beyond your resume, showcasing your personality, skills, and enthusiasm. Key elements to grab attention and provide evidence that you are the perfect fit include the following:
1. Address the recipient: Start with a formal salutation. If you know the recipient's name, use it (e.g., "Dear Mr. Orozco" or "Dear Ms. Lee"). If you don't have a name, use a general salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Manager").
2. Introduction: Begin with a clear and concise opening paragraph that states your purpose. Mention the specific position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Express your enthusiasm for the role.
3. Highlight Your Qualifications: In the body of the cover letter, highlight your qualifications and relevant skills. Use specific examples and achievements to demonstrate your capabilities. Relate your background or experience to the requirements of the job.
4. Tailor Your Letter: Customize your cover letter for the specific employer and job. Mention why you are interested in working for this particular company and how your skills align with their values and goals.
5. Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine enthusiasm for the position and company. Convey your passion for the industry and your eagerness to contribute to the team's success.
6. Provide Evidence: Back up your claims with evidence. If you have specific accomplishments or relevant experience, mention them. Use metrics or examples to quantify your achievements.
7. Address Any Gaps: If you have employment gaps or a change in career direction, briefly address them in a positive light. Explain how your experiences during these periods have contributed to your skills and readiness for the job.
8. Mention Cultural Fit: Discuss how your values and work ethic align with the company's culture. Show that you've researched the company and understand its mission and values.
9. Closing Paragraph: Summarize your interest in the role and your suitability for it. Mention that you have enclosed your resume for their review.
10. Express Gratitude: Conclude the letter with a polite expression of gratitude for considering your application. Sign off with a formal closing (e.g., "Sincerely" or "Best regards").
11. Include Contact Information: Include your contact information (phone number and email) below your signature.
12. Enclosure: If you are sending a physical letter, mention any enclosures, such as your resume, below your signature line.
All done? Not quite. Carefully proofread the cover letter for grammar and spelling errors and correct them. Errors such as these make a writer appear lazy or sloppy and create a negative impression.
After sending your cover letter and resume, consider following up with a polite email or phone call to express your continued interest in the position.
Remember that your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, professionalism, and qualifications. Customizing it to the specific job and company is key to making a lasting impression on potential employers.
Cover Letter Format
After all your work to craft a persuasive cover letter, be sure to format it to maximize its impact.
Professional Presentation
The look of the cover letter must be clean and professional, with plenty of white space. Use a clear and easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10 or 12 points. If possible, match the formatting of your cover letter to your resume for a cohesive presentation. Include your contact information at the top, followed by the date, employer's contact details (including name and title if possible), and a formal salutation (e.g., Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name). At the end, conclude the letter with a formal closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards,” followed by your signature if sending a hard copy. Below your signature, add “Enc.,” or “Enc. (2)” if you are enclosing two documents.
Several websites provide detailed guidance and examples, along with templates, tips, and samples to help you. Here are a few:
- The Muse (themuse.com) provides practical advice and creative cover letter examples.
- Indeed (indeed.com) offers a cover letter builder tool and writing tips.
- LiveCareer (livecareer.com) features a library of cover letter templates for various industries and positions.
By following these formatting guidelines and tailoring your content, you can craft a cover letter that effectively complements your resume and increases your chances of landing an interview.
https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-examples/real-estate-agent-cover-letter-sample
Practice Zone
 |
Draft the content of your cover letter, following the guidance provided above. |