Roosevelt University - Career Services - Cover Letters – Job Search Letters

Cover Letters – Job Search Letters – Letters of Intent
Office of Career Services

Cover letters may be called different things, but they all have the same purpose – to get you an interview. A cover letter should always be included with any resume sent to a potential employer. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce you to the employer and lead him or her to the more detailed information that is described in the resume. Unlike the resume, which can be mass-produced, each cover letter should be tailored to the specifications of the particular position and company to which you are applying. Generic cover letters are never seriously considered.

Objectives of the Cover Letter

To let employer know how you heard of the opportunity.
To show how your education and experience directly relates to the specifications of the particular position for which you are applying.
To suggest a possible meeting between you and the employer to discuss your qualifications in greater detail.
Acts as a first “test” of your writing skills. Cover letters are an indication of your communication skills as well as proof that you are able to write business letters.

Cover Letter Guidelines

Always send a cover letter with your resume and be sure that it is error free.
Write each cover letter for the specific position for which you are applying.
Limit cover letters to three of four paragraphs. Be specific and to the point.
Always type a cover letter and print on paper matching the color and texture of your resume. Handwritten cover letters and envelopes are unacceptable. Use a quality printer such as a laser or ink jet.
Address your letter to a specific person within an organization, preferably the person who will be making the hiring decision. If you do not know the name of that person, you should take the initiative to call the company and find out. Be sure to get the person’s title and confirm the correct spelling. Only in the event that an advertisement specifically states “no phone calls” should you refrain from contacting the company for a specific name.
Be positive about your skills, experience and education. Never make references to the skills or experience that you don’t have.
If you do not have work experience directly related to the position for which you are applying, try to draw parallels between skills that you have developed through past work experiences and the skills needed to perform in the available position.
Be confident but not arrogant in describing your qualifications. In most fields, there will be competition for positions from many qualified candidates, so you want to be sure not to use language that is too strong, suggesting that the employer would really be missing out if he/she did not interview you.

Cover Letter Components

Heading

Your name, mailing address and phone number (note: do not put your work phone number and make sure that you have an answering machine with an appropriate message on it.
Your e-mail address, if appropriate.
The date.

Inside Address

Person’s name
Person’s title
Name of company
Address of company

Salutation

Dear Mr. Smith:
Dear Ms. Jones:
Dear Dr. Brown:
Dear Sir/Madam: (note: use this only when you have contacted the company and tried to obtain a contact name and have been refused or when an advertisement states “no phone calls” and does not give a name).
Be sure that you know the gender of the person to whom the letter is addressed. If the first name is Pat, Chris or Terry, call first to verify whether it is Mr. or Ms. Do not guess someone’s gender and hope for the best.

The Introductory Paragraph

State the position for which you are applying.
Tell how you learned about the position or mention the name of the person who referred you to the position, if appropriate.

The Body (one of two paragraphs)

Sell yourself to the employer based on your skills, experience and education. Be specific in suggesting how your background fits the qualifications for the position.
Discuss why you are interested in working for this organization and how you would be an asset.

The Closing

Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration of your qualifications.
State the desired response and suggest an interview or meeting.
State salary requirement only if specifically requested.

Complementary Close

Use only black ink when signing cover letters. Make sure your signature is not too large, too flowery and can be read. Remember that your signature is a reflection of the type of work you will produce if hired. Be neat.

Writer’s Name

Type your name under your signature. Leave four spaces between the complementary close and your typed name, leaving space for your handwritten signature.

Enclose

Enclosure indicates that there is another piece of paper enclosed in the envelope aside from the letter. When more than one sheet is enclosed, use Enclosures (2) or Enclosures (3), etc. depending on the number of sheets enclosed.

For individual assistance or more information, contact our offices at 312-341-3560/careersdt@roosevelt.edu (Downtown) or 847-619-7921 / careersrc@roosevelt.edu (Robin Campus). We would be happy to accept cover letters for critiquing via fax 312-341-3655, mail, drop-off, or email.