Body

The cover letter is different from your résumé and so it shouldn't rehash what your résumé already says. You should use the cover letter as an additional opportunity to sell yourself to the employer.

The body of your letter should be about 3 paragraphs long. Like the résumé, you do not want your cover letter longer than one page.

Paragraph 1

        In this paragraph you need to introduce yourself and your purpose.  If you are answering an ad in the newspaper, you need to state the paper, date, and specific job position.  Some companies run multiple ads in many newspapers.  You should also talk about the duties or skills that the job typically requires. If you have been referred by a friend or other employee, you should mention the name. This might give the reader an extra incentive to read through both your letter and résumé, and thus increase your chances for an interview. 

Paragraph 2 

        You should highlight the specific skills that will meet this particular employer's needs without rehashing your résumé. You should highlight any special projects you have created as well as how you will benefit the company.  The emphasis here should be on the good of the company and not how great you are. 

Paragraph 3

        You should end your letter by telling the employer what you would like to happen next.  You should leave a reliable phone number as to where you can be reached, either personally or by answering machine.  You should also indicate, without being too pushy, that if you do not hear from them within in a few days you will follow up with a phone call to make sure that they have received all of your information.  Assertive, but polite is the key for this paragraph. 

 


100 Cook St
Billerica, MA  01821
June 25, 2001

Mr. Howard Smith
Tallon Coroporation
100 Digital Lane
Anywhere, MA 00005

Dear Mr. Smith:

 

Your recent advertisement in THE CHARLESTON TIMES described an executive secretarial position in which I am very interested.  I want to secure a secretarial position in the Charleston area which offers opportunities for upward mobility.  This position appears to have exciting possibilities for the right candidate.
After researching The Tallon Corporation, I was impressed with your rapid growth in the computer software market.  I believe my part-time work experience at a comparable software company in Columbia and my technology training highly qualify me for your position.  In addition to my experience and training, I was the recipient of the Technology Award at a recent state-wide context for Business Education students.  The fact that I speak Spanish fluently should also benefit your company since you have a number of clients in Spanish-speaking countries

Since it is difficult to reach me during the day, I will call you next Wednesday to schedule an appointment for an interview.  I can be reached, however, after 5 p.m. at  803-555-0456.  Thank you for considering my application.  I am excited about the possibility of working for the Tallon Corporation.

Notice the highlighted sections which correspond to what should be included in each paragraph.  Of course, these sections are not highlighted in your own letter.