Cover Letters

Cover letters accompany your resume when you send it to an employer or a networking contact.  Remember that the cover letter is a marketing piece, as well as an example of your communication style.  It should consist of three to four succinct paragraphs, be typed on the same paper stock as your resume, and be error-free.

While cover letters can be addressed to "Hiring Manager" or "Director of Human Resources," it stands a better chance of being read if it is directed to a named person.  When applying to a specific company, call the company and ask the receptionist for the HR or specific department head's name, title, and mailing address, visit the company's website, or contact the Career Services Office.

Paragraph One
Specify your reason for writing the letter.  If you are responding to a job posting, give the job title, reference number (if specified), and source in which it appeared.  If someone referred you, give the name of this person and any other relevant information, such as your general career objective.

Paragraph Two
This is your opportunity to demonstrate what you know about the company or organization you're applying to.  Discuss what specifically appeals to you about the company -- perhaps its mission, its record of performance, or its role as a leader in the industry.  Those reading your letter will be impressed that you took initiative to learn more about the organization.  The remainder of the paragraph should highlight the strengths you have to offer to the position.  You want to communicate the best possible "fit" between you and the company.

Paragraph Three
End the letter by asking for an interview and providing contact information.  In addition, include a statement clearly indicating what YOUR next action will be.  Give the employer details regarding when you will call to set up a meeting if you have not heard from the employer by a certain date.  Then, make sure you follow through by contacting the employer of the date you specified.  This demonstrates dedication to your job search and illustrates that you will work hard to achieve results.

Cover E-Mails

When responding to a job opportunity via the Internet, the cover e-mail follows the same directions as above with one exception.  In the Subject line of the email, put the exact position title and reference number, if applicable.  Start your narrative with the information described for Paragraph Two above and close with a variation of Paragraph Three.

Thank You Letters

You should send a brief thank you letter immediately following each networking meeting or interview.  The thank you letter can be typed or handwritten, only if your handwriting is clear and professional.  Again, no typographical or grammatical errors allowed.

In this letter, thank the contact or employer for meeting with you.  Restate how your strengths can be used to meet the needs of the company or describe how the advice or information you obtained from the networking contact will assist you in your job search.  Reference to a particular area of discussion or common interest should also be addressed.  If there is information you forgot to mention, or if you think you failed to answer a question correctly or fully, use this opportunity to clarify these issues.  Lastly, express your continued interest in the position and thank the contact again for the time spent with you.

If you met with multiple people, you can address the thank you letter to the person who was  the point of contact for you and then ask that he/she share your appreciation with the others.  However, by doing that you are missing a marketing opportunity to others that may have some influence in the hiring process.

Sample Letters

Approach/Networking Letter	Cover Letter
Acceptance Letter	Thank You Letter