13.2: The Cover Letter

The cover letter highlights your skills, values, and goals as they pertain to the needs of the company to which you are applying. It is important to the note that the cover letter will be used as a method to evaluate your writing ability and style. Can you give your readers a reason to call you for an interview? Can you “sell” yourself and your skills in under one page? You may choose to take a more conventional approach to this letter, but sometimes it is worth the risk to present yourself boldly if the job might require that skill.

Organizing Your Letter Introduction

Always address your letter to a specific individual (a phone call or web search can help you with this); if a name is not available, address your letter as follows:

• Dear Hiring Committee:
• Dear Hiring Manager:

First, indicate why you are writing (including perhaps your interest in the position, and how you heard about the posting). You also might draw attention to your résumé and/or any credentials that fit the position. It might feel right to grab the reader’s attention with more force: “This is the job for me!” or “When I first read the posting, I knew I had to apply.” This is a more enthusiastic beginning and sounds passionate and interested.

Body: The next paragraphs should present evidence about why you are a good fit for the position. Draw attention to your previous experience and training; convince your readers that you have what it takes to directly benefit their organization. If you can foresee any “gaps” or potential concerns in your résumé or work history, this is one place you might acknowledge them.

Conclusion: End your one-page letter with a request for an interview and a brief summary of why you should be considered for the job. Express something courteous and professional at the end:

• I look forward to meeting with you.
• Thank you for considering my application / materials.
• I would appreciate the opportunity to speak further about my qualifications.
• Sincerely, / Respectfully,

Sample Cover Letter

Malik Mulligan 450 Lafayette Avenue │ Battle Creek, MI 49017 email: [e-mail] │cell: 269.965.3931

April 20, 2016

Josephine Marquez

Director of Human

Resources Acclaimed Corporation

123 Front Street Traverse City, MI 49684

Dear Ms. Marquez:

Please accept the attached résumé as my application for the position of Marketing Associate. I believe that I have the sales experience, creativity, and enthusiasm for this position.

I am graduating from Kellogg Community College in May with a degree in Business Management. My coursework has included marketing and advertising principles, business communications, and an elective course in website design. Additionally, I am currently an intern for Juniper Marketing where I work with social media initiatives (writing updates for Twitter and Facebook), assist in developing proposals for clients, update the company website, and participate in meetings with clients. Moreover, my part-time job as a shift leader at Burger King has given me extensive experience in working as part of a team, being organized, and in helping customers have a good service experience. What I most enjoy about the field of marketing is the ability to be creative and help promote a company and its vision.

I would be happy to speak further with you about the position and can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail]. Thank you for your consideration of my application materials.

Sincerely,

Malik Mulligan