The difference between a cover letter and a letter of application are what they are used for.

A
cover letter is used as a sort of introduction for yourself and your attached documents, usually a
resume. A letter of application is like filling out a job application, but you put it into letter form.

Cover Letters
What is a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a targeted letter that introduces you and your resume to a specific prospective
employer. Cover letters are often required by employers as part of a job application along with a
resume and sometimes, work samples. Even when not specifically requested by an employer,
they are highly recommended. As the first communication between you and a prospective
employer, a cover letter should convey professionalism and strong written communications
ability while introducing yourself and explaining your credentials.
What Makes a Good Cover Letter?
A good cover letter will be based on the job description and match your skills and experience to
company needs. The best cover letters work to complement their respective resumesnot to
repeat them. Remember that while both resumes and cover letters help employers form their first
impressions of you as a professional, a cover letter can offer additional insight as to who you are
and how you might fit in with the companys organization and goals.
So Why is it Called a Cover Letter?
A cover letter covers your resume, so it is always accompanied by one. A cover letter is used to
apply for or inquire about a job or internship opportunity and complements an impressive
resume. Because a cover letter covers a resume, it is often the first thing an employer will read.
This is why a cover letter is typically included in the body of an e-mail rather than as an
attachment. A good cover letter is a good incentive for an employer to read your resume.

Types of Cover Letters

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Application Letters
An application letter is written when applying to a job or internship. Along with a resume, it
typically accompanies a job application form. The main difference between application cover
letters and prospecting cover letters is that an application letter is written for a specific job or
internship position.
Prospecting Letter
A prospecting letter is used to inquire about possible opportunities when none are advertised. It
is also sent with a resume, but does not address a specific job opening. When writing a
prospecting letter, you should state specific knowledge of and interest in the company or

program you are inquiring about, then describe the skills and knowledge you offer that could add
value to the company.

Cover Letter Components

Heading
The heading of a cover letter details both your contact information and your employers contact
information. Start with your contact information, then post the date followed by the employers
name, title and full address (street address with city, state, zip). End the heading with a salutation
and a colon, not a comma. Make every effort possible to find the name of a specific contact,
recruiter or Human Resources (HR) representative. If there is absolutely no contact, you may
address the letter to the HR department of the company. For example: Dear AXA Equitable
Human Resources Director. Be sure not to include ordinal superscripts. (Feb 1, 2010 instead of
Feb 1st, 2010).
Introduction Paragraph
Briefly introduce yourself. Then get straight to the point. If you are writing an application letter,
state the specific position you are applying for. If it is a temporary job or internship, you may
want to include the term of employment. (I am applying to the New York Target Corporation
Project Management Internship for the summer of 2011.) Be sure to state your interest in the
company or opportunity. This interest may relate to your major, course of study or area of
expertise. You should also state how you found out about the company or program. End the
introduction paragraph with a smooth transition into the body paragraph where you will explain
your qualifications.
Body
The body is where you describe your qualifications and explain how they make you a good fit
for the company and job. Highlight your most relevant experiences, tying each qualification back
to the company or duties of the position you are seeking. Remember to address the WIIFT
question. (Whats in it for them?) You may also use the body of your letter to describe in more
detail what you know about the company that makes it an especially attractive opportunity for
you (after you have researched the company website of course).
Closing
The last paragraph is the part of the cover letter that is most important for conveying your
professionalism. You may want to reference your resume in this section and leave the employer
with a few closing remarks. After this, show your appreciation for being given the opportunity to
apply/write to the employer. State your follow-up plan. (You are welcome to contact me at your
convenience, or Please expect a follow-up call from me next week regarding the program.)
End the letter with a thank you statement.
Footer

End with a complimentary close such as Sincerely. (Spell it correctly!) Sign the document and
finish with your name in print below

A Note about Sending Cover Letters

E-mail
Most of the time, you will be sending cover letters by e-mail. When submitting a letter or
application in this manner, put your cover letter in the body of the e-mail and attach your resume
as a .pdf document. (You can do this by using the Save As function in Microsoft Word.) Be
sure to follow an employers instructions when filling in the subject line. If an employer does not
specify subject line instructions for submitting applications, write the word Application, the
position you are applying for/inquiring about, a dash - and your name.
Subj: Application: Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Kang
The subject line is extremely important when sending a job application or prospecting letter
through e-mail. The subject line determines whether your e-mail will be opened and ultimately,
considered. Be sure to follow employer guidelines exactly where specified.
Print/Mail
When sending a cover letter by mail, affix a hand written signature above your printed name. Be
sure the letter is postmarked before any application dates. Note the differences in formatting in
the Cover Letter format page. Be sure to include all necessary documents in your envelope. It is
recommended that you print your resume and cover letter on professional resume paper
(available at any office supply store).

Cover Letter Format

Your street address
Your city, state zip
Your area code & phone number
Your e-mail address
email: skip 1 line/ /mail: skip 1 3 lines
Date
email: skip 1 line/ /mail: skip 1 3 lines
Contacts name (correctly spelled)
Job title or department
Company Name
Street Address
City, state zip
skip 1 line
Dear Name: [Use a colon, not a comma] [Use Mr. or Ms. Avoid Mrs. Or Miss.]
skip 1 line
Introduction Paragraph:
Why are you writing? Who referred you (if anyone)? How did you learn of the company,
opportunity or program? What are you looking for?
skip 1 line
Body of Letter:
Express your knowledge of the organization and your ability to perform the job or work in the
company. Highlight the parts of your background that relate to this employer/position. Also,
highlight skills or accomplishments that make you a good match for the position/company. Be
specific to the job/title you are applying for/inquiring about!
skip 1 line
Closing:
State the action you expect. For example: You are welcome to contact me at your convenience,
Please expect a follow-up call from me next week regarding the program. (If you promise to
call, remember to call!) Express your appreciation. Say thank you!
skip 1-2 lines

Sincerely,
email: omit/ /mail: skip 3-4 lines for your written signature
Your name typed

Sample 1
55-55 Apple Street
Bronx, NY 10469
fatiya.alam @stonybrook.edu
(361) 555-8490
January 31, 2012
Mark Woltman
The Public Advocates Office for the City of New York
1 Centre Street, 15th floor
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mr. Woltman:
It is with great interest that I would like to apply for the Policy and Research Internship with
your office for the summer of 2012. I have completed my B.S. in Public Health Administration
and will be completing my M.A. in Public Policy in May 2013 at Stony Brook University. I
believe this position would allow me the opportunity to use my experience to greater serve the
community, as well as allow me to develop my career as a public servant.
Throughout my graduate career at Stony Brook, I have gained valuable work experience in
public policy, including serving as a graduate assistant for the universitys office of diversity and
affirmative action. In this position, I work closely with the presidents office to research, develop
and promote public and institutional policy. I also sit on the board of the coordinating committee
of the National Cancer Awareness Symposium, hosted annually by the Stony Brook School of
Medicine. I am confident that these experiences make me a qualified candidate for the Policy and
Research position.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am available full time for 8 12 weeks this
summer starting May 25 and I can be reached through the contact information above. Samples of
my work and any additional application materials are available upon request. Thank you again
for giving me the opportunity to apply for this position.
Sincerely,
Fatiya Alam

Sample 2
22-31 110 Street
New York, NY 10020
Phone: (917) 555-2509
matt.longman @stonybrook.edu
February 12, 2010
Robert C. Kalhoun
Managing Director of Sales
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2510 Middle Country Road
Centereach, NY 11720
Dear Mr. Kalhoun:
Earlier this week, I came across an article in the Vault online library about Enterprise Rent-ACar and its Management Training Program. I would like to inquire about any possible openings
in the program for this summer. I was impressed to learn that Enterprise has been named one of
the 50 best places to launch a career by BusinessWeek for the past four years and that its
unique culture and approach to internships have helped hundreds of interns develop their
management careers in a real working environment.
I am currently an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and will be graduating this
May with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in business management. In addition to the scientific
research that I have completed through my course of study, I have also gained considerable
management experience through business-related internship and leadership roles. For example, I
served as an executive intern for Target Corporation last summer and worked as a student
manager for campus dining services during the school year, managing a team of 10 15 student
workers at a time.
Enclosed is my resume for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my
qualifications with respect to the training program. You may contact me at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Matthew Longman