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When most students talk about cover letters, they assume that it should be a lengthy document requiring hours, if not days of preparation. Actually, it is quite the opposite. In reality, a cover letter is a brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the position being advertised. Think of it as an appetizer to your résumé briefly stating your interest in the position, highlighting your basic qualifications, and "suggesting" what the reader should look for in your résumé.
- The Opening - State the position for which you are applying,your interest in it, and how you became aware of it.
- The Connection - Summarize your relevant qualifications.
- The Closing - Request an interview, indicate your availability for an interview, and cordially close the letter.
Talk about how you heard about the position:
"Dear Ms. Johnson:
Enclosed, please find a copy of my résumé in response to your September 1st listing in the Times-Picayune for a Marketing Trainee. I believe my educational background and acquired skills in marketing make me well-qualified for the position and, as such, would make me an asset to your company."
This is where you make the connection with your previous jobs. Talk about specifics and not just skills most applicants might have. This is your chance to outline the top reasons why you're worthy of an interview.
"The position interests me for several reasons. During the past three years, while employed at Massive Muscles Fitness Center, I was responsible for marketing and promoting the specialized services of the center, reaching an average of 50 potential clients each day. I exceeded my sales goals converting at least 65% of those contacts to full memberships creating an estimated $1800.00 in new revenue for the center every month. Thirty-five percent of these new memberships included enhanced services (e.g., individualized sessions with a personal trainer), producing added income for the organization. Additionally, I assisted with marketing new services to existing members and participated in the development of new marketing campaigns."
In addition to my experience at Massive Muscles Fitness, I recently completed an internship with Soda-Seltzer Bottling, Inc. as part of my pursuit of a degree in Marketing at the University of New Orleans. I consider this experience invaluable insofar as it provided me an opportunity to work with product managers and account representatives while learning the importance of marketing support for new products and continuing product development."
When closing the letter, identify the position again while thanking the reader for his/her consideration,, briefly restate your relevant skills, and indicate when you can be reached.
"Thank you in advance for taking the time to review my résumé in consideration for the Marketing Trainee position. I am confident that my client development and marketing experience at the Massive Muscles Fitness Center and my internship at Soda-Seltzer Bottling have prepared me for the opportunities and challenges associated with the position. Additionally, I believe my academic training in marketing and management, as well as the many management positions I've held while in school have allowed me to gain valuable experience and skills. I hope we can meet soon to discuss this opportunity. Due to my current class schedule, I am usually available after 2:00PM and can be reached at (504) 555-5555. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Joan Jobseeker"
- A cover letter should be no more than one page in length.
- Stick to the point.
- Customize the letter for the position. Never use generic cover letters.
- Always proofread. Grammar and spelling are important.
- Specifically state why you should be considered for the job.
- Make certain your cover letter "claims" are consistent with the content of your résumé.
- Don't drop names unless you have a specific connection. Mention the connection only in the first paragraph.
Basic Cover Letter
Cover Letter for Entry Level Position
Cover Letter to Apply for a Position Listed with the UNO Counseling and Career Center
Cover Letter Following up after a Career Fair
Cover Letter for On Campus Recruiting
Cover Letter Inquiring about Employment Possibilities
Cover Letter Inquiring about Employment Possibilities - Sample #2
Cover Letter Inquiring about Internship Possibilities
Cover Letter for Someone with Experience
Cover Letter Seeking Advice from an Employer
Thank You Letter to an Employer after an Interview
Letter to Accept a Job Offer
Letter to Reject a Job Offer
Letter to Withdraw from Consideration for a Position You Have Interviewed For
Letter to Resign from Current Job
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UNO Counseling and Career Center
Human Performance Center |
Room 112 |
2000 Lakeshore Drive |
University of New Orleans |
New Orleans, LA 70148
Counseling Services: (504) 280-6683 | Career Services: (504) 280-6225
Fax: (504) 280-6422
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