Cover Letter Format Your Contact Information Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email

Address Date Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact) Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.

Complimentary Close Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature ======= Sample Job Application Letter Mr. George Gilhooley XYZ Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065 (909) 555-5555 Date Dear Mr. Gilhooley, I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume and three references. The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include: I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications I strive for continued excellence I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I

also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience. I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity. Sincerely, FirstName LastName -------Sample Cover Letter - Academic Advisor Position Contributed by Alison Pinsley. Your Your Your Your Your Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email

Hiring Manager Name Company Name Address City, State, Zip Code Re: Position No. C188-200276 Dear Ms. Hiring Manager: I read with interest your posting for an Academic Advisor in the Student Academic Success Center at Columbia State Community College. I know that this is the correct position for me as I feel that my experience and education fit the type of person you are looking for to fill this position. I am a firm believer that education is an investment in oneself, having recently completed my MS in Adult Education through Buffalo State

College's on-line program. I hereby enclose my resume, and other required materials for your review. I look forward to speaking with you further about what I may offer Columbia State Community College as an Academic Advisor in the Student Academic Success Center. Sincerely, Alison Pinsley ====== Top of Form Sample Email Cover Letter With Resume Attached Subject Line of Email Message: Communications Director Position Email Message: Dear Hiring Manager, I read your job posting for a Communications Director with interest. In my position as Communications Director for XYZ Company, I wrote articles for the company website, managed guest author submissions, and wrote and sent a weekly email newsletter to subscribers. While Assistant Communications Director for Assemblyperson Susan Smith, I researched, drafted and amended legislation, wrote press releases, and was responsible for office communications and correspondence. I also have extensive experience writing on a freelance basis on labor issues, which, I believe, would be an ideal match for this position. Articles are available for your review at: URL URL URL

Additional writing samples and my resume are attached. If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration. Jane Doe Address Email URL Home Phone Cell Phone ======== Email Message: Dear Hiring Manager, I read your job posting for the Store Manager position with interest. I can offer XYZ Company: - Over five years of retail management experience, including experience opening a new store location - Ability to effectively hire, train, and manage staff - Payroll management, scheduling, reports, and inventory - Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items In addition to my extensive retail experience, I have excellent communication skills. I always maintain a gracious and professional manner when communicating with people, including customers and store staff. My broad experience and range of skills make me a superior candidate for this position. My resume, which is below, provides additional information on my background and qualifications. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to arrange time for an interview.

Thank you for your consideration. Paul Jones Email Address ======== Paul Jones Resume Paul Jones 6 Pine Street Arlington, VA 12333 555.555.5555 (home) 566.486.2222 (cell) phjones@vacapp.com Experience Assistant Manager Montblanc April 2000 Present - Opened new specialty boutique - Placed orders to restock merchandise and handled receiving of products - Managed payroll, scheduling, reports, email, inventory, and maintained clientele book and records - Integrated new register functions - Extensive work with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items Sales Associate Nordstrom, Collectors and Couture Departments July 1998 April 2000 - Merchandised designer womens wear - Set-up trunk shows and attended clinics for new incoming fashion lines - Worked with tailors and seamstresses for fittings - Scheduled private shopping appointments with high-end customers Bartender Jigg's Corner February 1996 July 1998

- Provide customer service in fast-paced bar atmosphere - Maintain and restock inventory - Administrative responsibilities include processing hour and tip information for payroll and closing register Education - Ramapo College, Arlington, Virginia Computer Skills - Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, QuickBooks, and Internet ========