The document provides guidance on writing effective cover letters. It discusses the purpose of cover letters, which is to clarify an applicant's fit for the responsibilities, interests in the work, and professionalism of a given role. The document then covers best practices for cover letter layout, content, and writing. It provides examples of cover letter components, including introductions, demonstrations of meeting job requirements, statements of qualifications, and closings. Finally, the document offers tips for customizing cover letters and checklists for strong cover letter composition.

1. Cover Letters
By
ROBY MARIA VINCENT
robertmariavincent@gmail.com
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2. Contents
• Purpose
• Layout
• Content
• Writing
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3. Purpose
Clarify what employers want to know:
 Can you handle the responsibilities of the job?
 Do you enjoy your work?
 Are you a professional and will you fit in?
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4. Why Cover Letters are so Important
1. The cover letter is the first thing an employer
sees.
2. Stand out from the crowd in a positive, exciting
way to ensure you are the one employers are
determined to hire.
3. Get the employer excited about the resume.
4. Targeting a resume and cover letter is essential
in today’s competitive environment
5. Part of the whole package that WILL encourage
an employer to want to get to know you better.
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5. Layout
Use paragraphs
Paragraph 1 - introduction
Paragraph 2 - support
Paragraph 3 - summary of suitability
Paragraph 4 - desire for an interview
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6. Content
1. The job you are applying for
2. How you found out about the job
3. Why you are interested in the position
4. What qualifies you to do the work
5. Examples of related achievements
6. A closing summary of your qualifications
7. Your desire to meet for an interview
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7. Writing Your Cover Letter
What if I'm Not a Good Writer?
- Think about what is most important to convey.
- Concentrate on getting your thoughts on paper.
- Revise the sentences later.
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8. What Achievements should I Include?
- Look at the job announcement for which you are
applying.
- What made you interested.
- Why do you feel you are qualified?
- Write the reasons in a short bullet list.
Writing Your Cover Letter
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9. How is it Supposed to Look?
- Make sure that the header matches your resume.
- Header includes your name and contact
information.
- Make it visually appealing and easy to read.
- Do not exceed one page!
Writing Your Cover Letter
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10. How to Customize The Cover Letter?
- Find out what that particular company's history is.
- Find out what the position entails.
- Find out what their future plans are.
- Include the company's name in your cover letter.
along with the position you are applying for.
Writing Your Cover Letter
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11. Tips for Writing Cover Letters
 Avoid negatives
- don’t mention why you left a job
 Do not start every sentence with “I”.
 Be clear and succinct.
 Leave a space between paragraphs.
 Use Formal or Neutral language.
 Be Proactive.
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12. Cover Letter Checklist
1. Use the same paper that you use for your resume.
2. Proofread. Proofread. Proofread.
3. Keep the letter to one page.
4. Ensure the name of the person addressed in the letter is
spelled correctly and that you have his/her correct title.
5. Demonstrate that you have researched the company by
including some information in one or more of your
sentences.
6. Sign the cover letter with a blue or black ink pen.
7. Use clear and concise sentences.
8. Sell yourself.
9. Ensure your letter is an original and not a copy and printed
on good/quality printer.
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13. Opening
Dear Mr./Ms. _______,
I am applying for the position of ________, which was posted in ____.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I would like to apply for a position in the ______ Department of your
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14. Showing Requirements of Job
Your Requirements
• Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other
facilities, including managing registration, solving customer
problems, dealing with risk management and emergencies,
enforcement of department policies.
• Assist with hiring, training, and management of staff. Coordinate
statistics and inventory.
• Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong
interpersonal skills are also preferred.
• Valid driver's license with good driving record. Ability to travel to
different sites required.
• Experience in collegiate programming and management.
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15. Showing Qualifications
My Qualifications
• Register students for courses, design and manage program
software, solve customer problems, enforce department policies,
and serve as a contact for students, faculty, and staff.
• Hiring, training, scheduling and management of staff, managing
supply inventory, and ordering.
• Clean international driver's license.
• Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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16. Dealing with Salary
My salary requirements are in the range of $----- to $------,
depending upon the duties and requirements of the position plus
the overall benefit package offered.
If the advertisement is silent on salary
requirement or relocation, never include such
information!
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17. Closing your cover letter
I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and
experience. Again, thank you for your consideration.
Yours Sincerely,
Your Signature
(Typed Name)
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18. Sample Cover Letter (unedited)
Tom Jones,
1234, West 67 Street,
Cardiff, CA 01741,
(123)-456 7890.
Date: 1st November, 2009.
Mr. George Bush,
National Solutions,
257, Park Avenue South,
New York, NY 12345-6789.
Dear Mr. Bush,
I am writing with reference to your advertisement in the local Employment News magazine for want of a Software
Developer. I consider that my credentials and interests match with your requirement and want to apply for the same.
Presently I am deputed as an assistant at ABC for the last two years. During these years I have acquired a very good
knowledge of Web technologies (Perl CGI, PHP). My responsibility includes providing back end support for the distributed
applications and guiding new trainees through their jobs.
Although I am enjoying my present job, I am looking out for new opportunities in the same field. I will be contacting you on
Friday, 12th November, to arrange a personal meeting and discuss the prospect.
Sincerely,
Tom Jones.
Enclosures:
1. Resume - myresume.doc
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19. Sample Internship Cover Letter
(unedited) Jerry Chen
123 Yanji Street,
Taipei 110 00,
(02)-3456 7890.
Date: 11 November, 2009.
Mr. Andreas Schmidt,
National Marketing Inc.,
257, Roosevelt Rd, Sec1,
Taipei 120-789.
Dear Mr. Schmidt,
My unique mix of previous work experience and my status as a National University business student in my junior year
studying marketing, make me an ideal candidate for a summer internship with National Marketing Inc.
My experience in sales and customer relationship management, combined with my courses in marketing, has convinced
me that hospitality marketing is a career option I would like to explore.
More importantly, an internship with National Marketing Inc., would be mutually beneficial. Your company has an excellent
reputation for customer satisfaction, and I know that the combination of my experience, education, and motivation to excel
will make me an asset to your marketing department.
I am sure that it would be worthwhile for us to meet. I will contact you within a week to arrange a meeting. Should you have
any questions before that time, you may reach me via phone (02)-456 7890) or via email (jerrychen@ntut.edu.com.tw).
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jerry Chen, Business Management, National Taipei University of Technology.
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20. Sample Recent Graduate Cover Letter
Dear Mr _____,
I am writing to apply for the position of Media Relations Manager. ___ is a
fast-moving global institution and an outstanding communications
pioneer, now poised to guide the direction of print journalism.
As a recent graduate of the National Taipei University of Technology with
significant experience in finance, administration and media, I bring the
energy and commitment to excellence necessary to thrive in ____'s
innovative environment.
As the current Media Relations Coordinator of the XYZ company, I am a
practiced business liaison and an able administrator. These
strengths, combined with deep and varied employment and internship
experience as a journalist and media consultant with ABC and DEF, prepare
me to make a strong and immediate impact at ____.
I am excited about the opportunity to join the ___ team as it moves to the
center of the print media conversation. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely, ARISE TRAINING & RESEARCH CENTER

21. Writing Follow Up Letters
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22. Successful Interview Follow Up Letter
5 TIPS
1. Write the Follow-Up Letter Immediately
2. Include an Incident That Occurred at the
Interview
3. Write to Every Interviewer
4. Show Your Awareness Of Company Culture
5. Write in a Positive Tone
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23. First paragraph:
• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet
with you and remind him/her of the position for
which you interviewed
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24. Second paragraph:
• Reiterate your sincere interest in the position and
company.
• Mention something you learned from the interview
or comment on something of importance that you
discussed – This will make you stand out from the
other applicants.
• Emphasize your strengths, experiences, skills, and
accomplishments. Tweak them towards the points
that the interviewer considered the most important
for the position.
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25. Third Paragraph
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and
consideration. If you feel it is appropriate, close
with a suggestion for next steps (e.g. a second
interview), or mention that you plan to follow up
with a phone call in a few days.
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