Never send out your resume without a cover letter or a
cover sheet
– it’s unprofessional.
Would you introduce yourself in person to a potential employer without shaking hands? No! Sending a resume without a cover letter is like not shaking hands when being introduced.
Think of the impact that would have!
The cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your resume to the potential employer.
It is essentially the first contact an employer will have with you.
Two questions, for the employer, are usually answered by cover letters…
- Why are you sending us your resume?
- What benefits or value do you bring to the organization?
The cover letter is written with the employer in mind. Remember – its not about You!
You need to use cover letters to “spark an employer’s interest” in your resume & “give them the impression that you are the right candidate needed for their organization”!
Cover letters require RESEARCH! You need to research the organization to which you are applying.
Why?
The cover letter is addressed to a specific person within the organization.
Contact the organization and find out the name of the hiring authority and their specific title. In most cases organizations are more than willing to provide you the needed information. In those rare cases where they won’t provide the information then send it to the human resources or management department.
Also, your resume cover letter reveals that you understand something about the organization such as its goals, vision, and needs.
It also addresses how you fit into the organization and can help them meet their objectives!
A
resume cover letter example
shows how a resume cover letter would look when sending it to an employer.
The resume cover letter is written in standard business correspondence format.
- your address centered at the top of the page
- employer’s address under your address aligned to the left margin
- single-space each line
- double-space between each paragraph
- paragraphs are aligned to the left margin
- 2 to 3 paragraphs long (must fit on one page)
- sign your name above your typed name at the conclusion
- use your own writing style and be professional
Your Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address (use a professional one – no nicknames)
Date
Employer’s Name
Employer’s Title
Company Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear employer’s name:
Introduction Paragraph: Why are you writing? Identify the position and/or department for which you are applying. Use action words to spark the employer’s interest – capture their attention. How did you hear about the organization or the job opening? If you know someone in the organization or if they know you mention them. Show the potential employer that you’ve done your homework and mention something about the organization here.
Body: Provide the connection between your skills & experience and the organization’s needs! Highlight any experience, accomplishments, or education you have that is directly related to the position so the employer will look for it on your resume. Write in a positive and confident manner summarizing your skills as they relate to the organization.
Concluding Information: Show your interest in the job! Inform the employer that “you will be calling to follow-up” to further discuss your qualifications during the interview. Thank them for their time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature
Typed Name
