Writing a

Cover Letter
Abonitalla, Janine T.
Reporter:
Adams, Annabella
LESSON OBJECTIVES:

Explain the importance of a cover letter/application letter.

Explore a sample cover letter.

Discuss what to include and exclude in a cover letter.

Write an effective cover letter.

What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a letter of introduction that highlights your key
accomplishments to fit for a job opening. A cover letter adds
focus to your resume. Few employers seriously consider a
resume that is not accompanied by a cover letter; thus, a
cover letter needs to be part of your job-search strategy. Each
cover letter must be tailored to each job, each employer.
What is a cover letter?
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.
 PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER
When writing a cover letter, you should:
Introduce 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.)
 TIPS WHEN WRITING A COVER LETTER

01 Whenever possible, address

01
your cover letter to a named individual.
02 Grab the reader’s attention by writing an appealing first paragraph.

03 Highlight your three to four key accomplishments/skills/experience.

04 Focus on the fit between your qualifications and the job requirements.

05 Whenever possible, relate yourself to the company.

 TIPS WHEN WRITING A COVER LETTER

06 Never include any negative information.

07 End your letter by requesting an interview.

08 Mention that you will follow-up your letter---- and then do so.

09 Cover letters should be kept to under one page; electronic versions

even shorter.
10 Avoid all types of mistakes, including typos, misspellings, and
Grammatical errors.
 MATCHING YOUR COVER LETTER TO THE JOB

01 Find out who to address it to.

Try not to address your letter ‘To whom it may concern’. Find out
the name of the person who will read your application. This might
take a little effort, but it’s worth it.

02 Find out more about the job.

When finding out who to address your application to, you could
also try to contact that person so you can ask questions. This
can help you match your cover letter (and resume) to the job
 MATCHING YOUR COVER LETTER TO THE JOB

03 Find out more about the company.

If you now the name of the company, look for information online.
If the company has a website, visit it (especially their ‘About us’
page).
COVER LETTER DO’S AND DONT’S
Don’t ever send your resume without a cover letter.

Do address your letter to a named individual.

Don’t use a sexist salutation, such as “Gentlemen” when answering a

blind adds.
Do send an original letter to each employer.

Don’t waste your first paragraph by writing a boring introduction.

Don’t use cliché’s such as “Enclosed please find my resume” or “As you
can see on my resume enclosed herewith.”
COVER LETTER DO’S AND DON’T’S
Don’t depend on the employer to take action.
Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, misspellings, incorrect
grammar or punctuation, smudges, or grease from yesterday’s lunch.
Do use simple language and uncomplicated sentence structure.

Do write cover letters that are unique and specific to you.

Do speak about the requirements of the job, especially when

responding to an ad.
Do keep your letter brief.