CCS Cover Letters

Key Points for an Effective Cover Letter

-Address your letter to the specific individual who has the capacity ot hire you. Do some research if you don't have the name.
-State the position that you are seeking.
-Highlight important features of your qualifications and how you will help the organization achieve their goals.
-Ask for an interview. Indicate that you will call to set up an appointment.
-Keep your letter short--three or four paragraphs.
-Make it interesting, clear, and well written. Try to distinguish your letter from the others on his or her desk.
-Each letter should be freshly printed or typed--no photocopies!
-Print or type your letter on the same type of paper you are using for your resume.
-Sell yourself. Emphasize what you can do for the employer by accentuating the positive. Do not discuss or apologize if you feel you lack experience.
-Sample format
First paragraph: who you are, the position for which you are applying, and where you found out about the position.
Middle paragraph: highlight qualifications that are relevant to the position and to the company. Emphasize your strengths with examples but avoid restating your resume.
Last paragraph: thank the reader. Reaffirm your interest in the position and requent an interview.

A Sample Cover Letter

October 31, 1994

Ms. Jane Smythe
Vice President
XYZ Publishing
555 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10001

Dear Ms. Smythe:

I am writing to apply for the position of Editorial Assistant which you advertised through Columbia University's Center for Career Services. I will be receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in History this coming May.

I have extensive writing and editing experience. For the past two years, I have been the Features editor of the Columbia Spectator. This experience has allowed me to develop my editorial skills as well as teaching me to work under the deadline pressures of a daily newspaper.

My course work at Columbia has given me the opportunity to hone my writing skills. As a history major, I have written numerous papers of varying lengths. My curriculum has also developed my research and organizational skills. I believe that this combination of experience and education would make me a valuable asset to XYZ Publishing.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I will contact you next week to discuss this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Lydia Askins

* why you are writing and where you learned about the position

* something about you and why the job interests you/why you would be a good match for the job

* closing, possibly mention follow-up plans

This letter is only a guide to give you an idea of what to include in your letter. Once again, we suggest that you write the first draft of your letter without using a sample to guide you. The most important quality you can communicate in your cover letter is enthusiasm, and this must be done in your own style. Once you've created your first letter, those to follow will be much easier.