3. Writing a Cover Letter
Purpose of a Cover Letter:
Expresses your interest and qualifications for a particular
position
Key Elements of a Cover Letter:
Personal enough to humanize yourself as an individual, but
professional enough to be taken seriously as a prospective
employee
Demonstrates why you are the person for the job
Explains how you meet the requirements
It is an extension of your resume, but should explain your
qualifications and goals in more detail
4. Elements of a Cover Letter
Header (Name and Contact Information)
Date (January 3, 2012)
Employer Address
Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr., etc.)
5. Elements of a Cover Letter
1st paragraph-explains who you are and your
skills: professional experience, training and
education, and interpersonal skills)
2nd paragraph-explains what you can do for the
company as an employee and includes your goals
Conclusion-thanks the employer for considering
your application and expressing your interest in
following up with the possibility of becoming
part of their organization
Closing-end with “sincerely,” or a similar closing
and sign your name
6. E-mail Etiquette
Use an e-mail account you check on a regular basis or set
up an e-mail account for professional use with your name
as your e-mail address (cbarletta@keiseruniversity.edu)
Address the potential employer as Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr. etc.
Write a clear subject heading
Write clearly and concisely. If you are asking questions,
number them so the employer can identify your needs.
Use proper grammar and write in a formal tone.
End your e-mail with a polite closing, your name, and
contact information
7. Follow-up and Thank You Notes
After an interview, meeting, or internship, you
should send a handwritten thank you note to the
potential employer.
8. Follow-up and Thank You Notes
Why write follow-up and thank you letters?
Write a follow-up letter to an employer to ensure that they
have received your application.
Write a thank you letter to thank the employer for his/her time
in reviewing a résumé or, cover letter, or for interviewing you
for the position.
When do I need to do a follow-up with a potential employer?
Write a follow-up letter if you have not heard from a
potential employer for two weeks after submitting your résumé
and cover letter.
