How to Write

An Effective
Cover Letter
SANG PUTU ARSANA
A cover letter is a single-page letter that you
include with your job application.
You should always include a cover letter,
unless the job advertisement clearly says
not to.

- DEFINITION
Part of the Cover Letter
1. Address
Sender address; Put your name, email address and phone number at the top of the page
on the right. The name of the business and the contact person's full name on the left
The address of the recipient. If applicable, the first line in the address block should
include the recipient's name and title, and the second line should state the recipient's
company or business. The third and fourth lines are designated for the actual address.

2. Date
Simply put, the date is the day the letter is sent. The most commonly used date format
is: June 21st, 2011. Do not abbreviate the month and always include all four digits of
the year. Put the date you wrote the letter on the right
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3. A reference line (e.g., "Re: Application for Administration Assistant position")
4. Salutation
Different circumstances determine which salutation or greeting is most
appropriate. Use "Dear" when the recipient's name or title is known.
Examples include "Dear Mr. Doe" or "Dear Sales Director." When the
name or title is unknown, use "To Whom It May Concern." or “Dear Sir,”
Always punctuate the salutation of a business letter with a colon instead
of a comma.
5. Body
The body is the longest part of a letter and is usually divided into three
subcategories: introduction, main content and summary.:
• Start by introducing yourself
• Mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for)
• Show that your skills and experience match the skills and experience needed
to do the job
• Encourage the reader to read your resume
• Finish with a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting).
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6. Complimentary Close
The complimentary close is a word or short phrase that basically means "goodbye."
"Sincerely" is the most common closing remark. Others include "cordially," "best wishes,"
and "best regards." The complimentary close can vary in degrees of formality and is
dependent upon the relationship between the sender and recipient.
7. Signature
In letters that are sent via email, the signature is simply the sender's name and title typed
immediately below the complimentary close. When a letter is mailed, faxed or hand-
delivered, however, there should be a large enough space below the closing and above the
typed name and title for the sender to provide her written signature.
Tips …
Avoid Typos or mistakes

Always spellcheck your cover letter. It's even better to get someone else to read it and
point out any mistakes or confusing things. Double-check everything in your cover letter.
If you mention a company's name, make sure you spell it right. If you mention places
you've worked before, make sure you spell their names right, too.

Don’t Use ‘I’ too much

Try not to over use phrases like ‘I believe’, ‘I have’ and ‘I am’. Remember, it’s not about
you – it’s about how you can help the employer. Once you've written your letter, read
over it, and try to take out or rewrite as many sentences that start with ‘I’ as you can.
Tips …
If you don't have any formal work experience, things you can mention in your cover
letter include:

• General skills that help you work in a team and as part of an organisation

• Personal attributes that will help you learn to work in a professional work environment

• Key strengths and contributions that show you are a stand-out applicant

• School work experience or volunteer work that demonstrates your strengths and
attributes

• Any sporting or community club participation (if relevant)

• Any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the job or demonstrate your professional
experience
THANK YOU