Activity 5E
Cover Letter for a Resume

1. You will create a cover letter/ letter of introduction to go with your resume. (Activity 5d)
2. A cover letter must always accompany your resume when mailing it or when the application procedures specify.
3. Each cover letter must be individually written to focus your skills, experiences, abilities, and career interests towards that position and that employer.
4. It must be perfect in terms of spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. because it is a sample of your writing skills.
5. Confine it to a one page block or modified block letter of about 3 - 5 paragraphs.
6. Produce it on the same color and quality of paper as your resume and reference sheet.
7.  Don't forget to sign the letter
8. Put your name, date, period, station, and activity in the footer.
9. Print and turn it in.

 


Ingredients of an Effective Cover Letter
(Block form or modified block may be used)

Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date

Employer's Name, Title
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear __________:
(It should be addressed to a specific person if possible. Use Mr. or Ms. Call for a name, but if you're unable to get a name, use their title - Dear Personnel Director, Dear Manager, Dear Administrator. If you're unable to get a professional title, then address as Dear Sir/Madam. Be careful not to assume whether the reader is male or female by their name.)

INTRODUCTION includes:
Why you are writing
Position for which you are applying/inquiring
Source of referral, if any (Ask permission to use the person's name)

MAIN BODY includes:
Why you are interested in that position and/or the company.
How you are qualified. Address qualifications and accomplishments pertinent to the position and/or the employer's needs. Show concrete examples of your skills and experiences.
What you can do for the employer
What you know about the company/organization/field

CLOSING includes:
Statement of appreciation
Request for a personal meeting or an interview
Include phone number in which you can be reached

Sincerely,
 
 

Your Name (Signature directly above it)
 

Enclosure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Example:
209 West Lancart Street
Milwaukee, WI 53020
September 3, 1997

Ms. Carolyn Bereta
Vice President - Human Resources
XYZ Department Store
555 River View Road
Milwaukee, WI 53891
 

Dear Ms. Bereta:

Enclosed is my resume in response to the September 1, 1998 announcement on JobTrak for the position of store manager at the XYZ Department Store. I am excited about this opportunity for I have been a customer of XYZ Department Store for many years and highly regard their products and quality customer service.

In addition to my personal interest in your company, I have a strong background of retail experience, which I believe would contribute to my success in the position of store manager. I have worked in a retail environment for over four years; during two of those years I held the position of manager for ABC Housewares. As manager, I supervised a staff of fifteen employees, which included training, scheduling, leading monthly staff meetings, and ensuring a reputation of excellent customer service.

I feel that the combination of my professional experience, Bachelor of Business Administration degree, and strong organizational skills, would allow me to make a valuable contribution to your company. I look forward to bringing my skills and enthusiastic interest in the area of management to XYZ Department Store.

I look forward to hearing from you so that we may further discuss my qualifications and the position. You may reach me at (414) 555-6868. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(signature)

Maggie E. May
 

Enclosure