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The Cover Letter
Tell Your Friends About Us

In the cover letter, you have the chance to state why you are sending your resumé to this company and for what specific position. Don't make people guess as to why you have sent them your resumé -- make it clear right up front.

The letter should capture the employer's attention, show why you are writing, indicate why your employment will benefit the company, and ask for an interview. The kind of specific information that must be included in a letter means that each must be written individually. Each letter must also be typed perfectly, which may present a problem. Word processing equipment helps. Frequently only the address, first paragraph, and specifics concerning an interview will vary. These items are easily changed on word processing equipment and memory typewriters. If you do not have access to such equipment, you might be able to rent it.

Let's go through a cover letter point by point.

Salutation. Each letter should be addressed by name to the person you want to talk with, avoid the "Dear Sir or Madam".  Form letters insult the reviewer's intelligence and indicate that you are broadcasting your resumé to every employer in the area. Or you have not made an effort to learn more about the company. Call the company to make sure you have the right name. And spell it correctly. If you cannot get the name follow the directions given in the posted vacancy for which you are applying. It takes a few seconds and will make your letter stand out.

Opening. The opening should appeal to the reader. Cover letters are sales letters. Sales are made after you capture a person's attention. You capture the reader's attention most easily by talking about the company rather than yourself. Mention projects under development, recent awards, or favorable comments recently published about the company. You can find such information in the business press, including the business section of local newspapers or the Internet. If you are answering an ad, you may mention it. If someone suggested that you write, use their name (with permission, of course).

Body. The body of the letter gives a brief description of your qualifications and refers to the resumé, where your sales campaign can continue.

Closing. You cannot have what you do not ask for. At the end of the letter, request an interview. Suggest a time and state that you will confirm the appointment. Use a standard complimentary close, such as "Sincerely yours," leave three or four lines for your signature, and type your name. Type your phone number under your name; this recommendation is not usually made, although phone numbers are found on most letterheads. The alternative is to place the phone number in the body of the letter, but it will be more difficult to find there should the reader wish to call you.

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