When most students talk about cover letters, they assume that it should be a long, drawn out document that takes weeks and weeks to produce. Actually, it is quite the opposite.

Your cover letter should focus on three simple sections:

1. The Opening - What are you applying for? Where did you see the posting?
2. The Connection - What can you do that relates to the job posting/position?
3. The Closing - Asking for an interview and summarizing your letter.

Please note, even though they are called sections, you should not write a document that is more than a full page long as it will probably include details not important to the job search process.

Most cover letters are like getting an immunization, they should be short, quick and to the point.

So What is a Cover Letter?

• A brief…(emphasis on brief) introduction of yourself and your interest in the position being advertised
• The “appetizer” to your resume
• A paper-based interview answer
  • “What makes you the best person for the job?”
  • “Why should I interview you instead of someone else?”
  • “What is going to impress me on the resume?”

Section One - The Opening

Talk about how you heard about the position:

Mr. Ernest Chapman
Vice President for Marketing
Cargon & Fuller, Inc.
280 Apple Street
New Orleans, LA  70130

Dear Mr. Chapman:

I enclose 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 would be an asset to your company.

Section Two - The Connection

This is where you make the connection with your previous jobs. Talk about specifics and not just skills that every employee has. 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 with Elmwood Fitness Center, I was responsible for marketing and promoting the features of the health club to an average of 50 potential clients per day. I was able to convert at least 60% of those to members with an estimated $1800 in new revenue to Elmwood every month. I also assisted in marketing new services to existing members along with my other duties.

I am currently a student at the University of New Orleans and will be graduating December 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in Management. Most notably, I was able to complete an internship with Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling.  My internship allowed me to work with Product Managers and Account Representatives while learning the importance of marketing support for new products and continuing product development.

Section Three - The Closing

Identify the position again, iIf you have additional skills that you want to mention, make sure they are not general. Indicate generally when you can be called…not when you will call them (sounds threatening).

Thank you for taking the time to review my attached/enclosed resume. I am confident that my client development and marketing experience at the Elmwood Fitness Center and my internship at Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling have prepared me for the challenges associated with the Marketing Trainee position available at Cargon & Fuller, Inc. Additionally, I have a minor in management and have held many positions while in school that allowed me to gain valuable management skills. Most notably, I worked as a Front Desk coordinator with the Marriott Corporation.  In that role I was able to manage a team of three co-workers as we provided outstanding end-client customer service.

I hope that we can meet soon to discuss your opportunity. Since I am still taking classes, I can be reached at (504) 280-6225 after 2 p.m. or you may leave a confidential voice-message for me there. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Joan Jobseeker

Remember these tips when writing your cover letter:

1. Keep it to one page or less
2. Stay to the point
3. Customize the letter to the position. NEVER USE GENERIC COVER LETTERS
4. Always proofread and spellcheck
5. Make a connection so you can indicate why (specifically) you should be considered for the job
6. Don't puff yourself up if your resume does not show the same "facts"
7. Don't drop names unless you have a SPECIFIC connection or reference that you can mention...and only in the first paragraph - "I am writing to you after speaking with Dr. Fred Flintstone who suggested I contacted you about this open position..."

Sample Cover Letters:

Cover Letter Samples

Cover Letter to Apply for a Position Listed with the Office of Career Development
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

Other Career Search Correspondence

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