Employment Planning

Cover Letters

Most employers hiring for professional positions expect a cover letter with a resume. A carefully crafted cover letter is as important to your success as your resume.

Letter Purpose
• The purpose of the letter is to get you an interview. Do not send a resume without one.
• Cover letters introduce you and give you a chance to show what you can contribute.
• The cover letter sets the stage for the resume. It gives you a chance to emphasize your strong points and build a case for yourself.

Letter Content
Your cover letter should include the following;
• Introduce yourself and the reason for sending your resume, i.e. the position you desire.
• State where and when you saw the company/position advertised.
• Refer to any previous conversations/meetings.
• Summarize and expand on the experience detailed in your resume. This is your chance to sell yourself.
• Tell how your talents would benefit the company.
• Include your full contact details: Name, address, phone numbers.
• Refer the reader to your resume for complete information.
• Last, and most importantly, ask for an interview.

Letter Presentation
Remember the following rules for the presentation of your letter:
• Align paragraphs to the left; allow a one inch margin all around.
• Include all you need to but keep the letter short and to-the-point. No more than one page.
• Get a specific name to address the letter to. Close with “Sincerely.”
• The first three to four lines are the most important. The reason for your letter should be stated first. If they don’t know why you’re writing after the first line, they will not read the rest.
• You have to sell your qualifications and experience, but don’t repeat the information on your resume exactly. Pick something related to the position and expand.