TIPS ON WRITING COVER LETTERS

COVER LETTER
I remember I did promise to do a piece on cover letters. Contrary to what a lot of candidates assume, a cover letter is not a protective jacket for your CV.

Instead it is an advert for your CV and you.

A cover letter is even more USEFUL when you are sending your CV to an organization that has not advertised any vacancies.

All cover letters should:

Explain why you are sending a CV.

Don't send a CV without a cover letter. 

Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a voluntary opportunity, or a permanent position; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization an advert in a newspaper, a web site, or a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write unless the person is states otherwise.

Convince the reader to look at your CV.

The cover letter will be seen first.

Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.Call attention to elements of your background education, leadership, experience that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

Indicate what you will do to follow-up.In a letter of application applying for an advertised opening applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."

In a letter of inquiry asking about the possibility of an opening don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.

An example of a cover letter that can be adapted

March 25, 20XY
Ms. Janice Wilson
Personnel Director
Anderson Construction Company
3507 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20895

Dear Ms. Wilson:

I read in the March 24th Washington Post classified section of your need for a Civil Engineer or Building Construction graduate for one of your Washington, DC, area sites. I will be returning to the Washington area after graduation in May and believe that I have the necessary credentials for the project.

Every summer for the last five years I have worked at various levels in the construction industry. As indicated on my enclosed resume, I have worked as a general laborer, and moved up to skilled carpentry work, and last summer served as assistant construction manager on a two million dollar residential construction project.

In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my B.S. in Building Construction in May. As you may know, Virginia Tech is one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for the construction industry. I am confident that my degree, along with my years of construction industry experience, makes me an excellent candidate for your job.

The Anderson Construction Company projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your excellent reputation. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you. I will be in the Washington area during the week of April 12th and would be available to speak with you at that time. In the next week to ten days I will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
(handwritten signature)
Steve Mason