How to write Cover Letter

All Cover Letters Should include the following stuffs:
	Explain why you are sending a resume. Don't send a resume without a cover letter. Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
	Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
	Convince the reader to look at your resume. 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.
Cover Letter Format Guidelines:
	Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Number Email Address Month, Day, Year Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName Title Name of Organization Street or P. O. Box Address City, State Zip Code Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName: Opening paragraph: State why you are writing; how you learned of the organization or position, and basic information about yourself. 2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position. 3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration. Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature) Your name typed Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.) (Note: the contents of your letter might best be arranged into four paragraphs. Consider what you need to say and use good writing style. See the following examples for variations in organization and layout.)

How Do I Write a Cover Letter?

Almost every time you send a resume to a prospective employer, you are going to need to send a cover letter along with it. It is still necessary even when emailing your resume instead of faxing or mailing it.

The purpose of the cover letter is to personalize your resume, and customize it to the unique employer to which you are applying. What do I mean by this? Your resume is “generic” in the respect that it is static…you create a document that describes your qualifications, work history, education level, and objective, and you send it to every prospective employer with little, if any, changes. You add the cover letter to highlight any details that may or may not be included in your resume.

The things you should highlight are the qualifications you have the match the things the employer chose to describe in their ad. If they are looking for a project manager in a particular area, use the cover letter to let them know that you have managed a project in that type of area before. Other things to include in a cover letter:

• Your full name and contact information
• What job you are applying for
• At least one benefit the employer would receive from hiring you
• When you are available to begin work
• Answer any questions the prospective employer may have asked in their ad

Remember, a cover letter is meant to highlight your qualifications. You do need to let the employer know what you can do, but there is a fine line between informing and bragging. Try to sound confident, not egotistical; it will make a better impression!