How To Write A Cover Letter

COVER LETTER
Put the name of a mutual contact in the
first sentence.
This is the ideal way to start a cover letter,
because it immediately sets you apart from
the pile of applicants who have no
relationship to the employer.
Tell a story, if you can.

That is a tall order for most of us,

but if you can relate your desire for
the job to an experience or anecdote
in your life, do it.
briefly summarize your career.

Near the beginning, briefly

summarize your career.
In one or two specific sentences,
describe your work experience.
Illustrate your qualifications with
examples.
Give concrete specifics of
achievements that illustrate how you
could advance the company’s
agenda.
Conclude

Conclude by saying when and how

you’ll get in touch.
In your last line, tell the recipient
when to expect to hear from you.
Don’t cut and paste from the job
description
 .
 If you’re applying for a posted job, do keep the requirements in mind, but don’t
use the exact wording.
Err on the side of formality.

Even though your cover letter will be an e-

mail, keep the style businesslike, unless you
are writing to a contact with whom you
already have a relationship and you are
mirroring her informal style.