* SAMPLE COVER LETTER

* Overview
     The Purpose of a job application letter is to get an interview. If you get a job through interviews arranged by a campus placement office or through contacts, you may not need to write a letter. However, if you want to work for an organization that isn’t interviewing on campus, or later when you change jobs, you will. Writing a letter is also a good preparation for a job interview because the letter is your first step in showing a specific company what you can do for it.

* Getting Started - Two Types of Job Application Letters

     1) Solicited job letter is used when you know that a company is hiring.
          You may organize a solicited letter in this way:
               l State that you’re applying for the job and tell where you learned about the job.
               l Briefly show that you have the major qualifications required by the ad. Summarize your qualifications in the order in which you plan to discuss them in the letter.
               l Develop your major qualifications in detail.
               l Develop your other qualifications. Show what separates you from the other applicants who will also answer the ad. Demonstrate your knowledge of the organization.
               l Ask for an interview; tell when you’ll be available to be interviewed and to begin work.
               l End on a positive, forward-looking note.

     2) Prospecting job letter is used when you want a job with a company that has not announced openings.
          You may organize a prospecting letter in this way:
               l Catch the reader’s interest.
               l Create a bridge between the attention-getter and your qualifications. Summarize your qualifications in the order in which you plan to discuss them in the letter.
               l Develop your strong points in detail. Relate what you’ve done in the past to what could for this company.
               l Show that you know something about the company. Identify the specific niche you want to fill.
               l Ask for an interview and tell when you’ll be available for interviews.
               l End on a positive forward-looking note.

* What Goes In My Letter?
     In your letter, try to focus on:
          l Major requirements of the job for which you’re applying.
          l Points that separate you from other applicants.
          l Points that show your knowledge of the organization
          l Qualities that every employer is likely to value.
               ü The ability to write and speak effectively
               ü The ability to solve problems
               ü The ability to get along with people
          l Use a standard font (i.e. Times New Roman) in 11 or 12-point type.
          l Address your letter to a specific person. If the reader is a woman, find out what courtesy title she prefers.
          l Omit personal information not related to the job.
          l Unless you’re applying for a creative job in advertising or designing, use a conservative style. (i.e. No slang, no clichés, write professionally)
          l Proofread your letter.

* Planning
     l Read ad carefully.
     l Check Web for company facts and culture.
     l Identify knowledge, skills and abilities from the resume that are particularly relevant to this company and this job.
     l Organize the message.
     l Think about document design.

* Writing
     l Try to limit your letter to one page
     l Use T-letter form if it is preferred by the employer
     l Use positive emphasis, and be passive on your weaknesses.
     l State your interest in the company and the source of your finding in the opening
     l Details about you and the company that you’re applying to
     l Request for Response

* Finishing
     l Reread draft.
     l Measure draft against ad.
     l Revise draft.
     l Ask for feedback on draft. (from your friends, teachers and professionals)
     l Revise draft based on feedback.
     l Edit document to catch grammatical errors.
     l Run spell check.
     l Proof by eyes.
     l Sign letter; put in envelope with resume and mail.

Congratulations, you have got yourself an ace job application letter!!