Business Letters How to Write a Cover Letter

Business Letters How to Write a Cover Letter for a JOB

Who is Your Audience? Analyze Your Audience: � - - - � � Who is my audience? What kinds of information will my audience expect me to supply? How will my audience use the information I am sending? What impression do I want my letter to make on readers? Your PURPOSE is to get a JOB Your AUDIENCE is the person who is READING your RESUME Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 5– 2

Letter Format � A cover letter is a type of business letter �It should be done in BLOCK format (all left) �All text flush left, spaces between paragraphs �The writer’s address, date, complementary close, and signature to the LEFT side of the letter �The date aligns with the complementary close Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 5– 3

Parts of a Letter �Heading- writer’s address, city, state, zip and date �Inside address- name, title, business, address, city, state, zip and date or the receiver �Salutation- also called the greeting (use a colon) �Text of the letter- the body of the letter �Closing (Yours truly…. Sincerely…. Thank you ) �Signature Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 5– 4

What is in a COVER LETTER? �Introduces you to the employer �Goes with your resume �Explains why you want the job �Highlights your SKILLS and THINGS ABOUT YOU �IT is also called a LETTER of APPLICATION

These are all single -spaced. You double-space or triple-space between sections. The main text is always single-spaced. No paragraph indentions. Doublespace between paragraphs. Space four times between the closing and signature. Company Logo Your Name Your Address Date Recipient's Name Recipient's Title Recipient's Company. Name Recipient's Address Salutation: Main text THE BODY OF THE LETTER - Introduction - Middle - Conclusion Closing, Signature Sender's Typed Name �

COVER LETTER is also called The Letter of Application This goes with your resume. It MUST be good, or you will not get the interview you want. This is the 1 st thing a potential employer will see, and we know: You never get a 2 nd chance to make a good 1 st impression. Tonia M. Bailey 5 Round Trace Anchorage, AL 23489 June 1, 2009 Mr. George Gilhooley XYZ Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065 Dear Mr. Gilhooley, I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references. The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: � � � I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications I strive for continued excellence I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers Please see my resume for additional information. I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555 -5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, (signature goes here) Cute does not count! First. Name Last. Name TYPED

What to Remember COVER LETTER �Make some notes about how cover letters are formatted. �Be sure to have a date �Are there addresses on the letter? �How about the greeting and closing? �How is information on cover letters organized? �First Paragraph Information: �Middle Paragraphs Information: �Closing Paragraph Information:

Sample Cover Letter Sally Smith 2 Dreary Lane Fairy Tale, BK 98765 July 5, 2007 Huck Finn President Read More Book, Incorporated 4 Manuscript Trace Translate, OH 12345 Dear Mr. Finn: I am writing in response to your ad in the Elm Street News. The position requirements and my skills are a perfect match. As you’ll see on my enclosed resume, I have the educational background, professional experience, and track record for which you are searching. In addition, I am motivated and enthusiastic, and would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your firm’s success. I can promise that meeting with me will not be a waste of your time—and I will make myself available at your convenience, during or outside of normal business hours. Sincerely, Sally O. Smith

Sample Cover Letter Tom Cruise 5 Round Trace Anchorage, AL 23489 June 1, 2007 Tiger Woods, Golf CEO President Make It Your Best Game 2 Par Place Killington, VT 59999 Dear Mr. Woods: I am writing in response to your advertisement for a secretary in the July 10 edition of the Elm Street News. It would be a pleasure to meet with you so that I might demonstrate how my abilities fit your needs precisely. As you’ll see from the enclosed resume, I am proficient in a variety of computer software programs as well as in stenography. I am experienced in handling general office duties and answering phones cordially and courteously. What my resume does not reveal is my professional demeanor and appearance. In a business environment, these qualities are of the utmost importance in dealing with clients as well as co-workers. In me, you’ll discover a reliable, detail-oriented, and extremely hard-working associate one who will serve as a model to encourage other staff members to demonstrate the same high standard of professionalism. If you will contact me at (425) 555 -0198, we can schedule an appointment. Sincerely, Tom Cruise