Cover Letter

Open the file and read it then follow the right way to write a cover letter.

BIS 360 Unit I
Employment Communication
Cover Letters
Solicited and Unsolicited
Chronological
Functional
Scannable

Common Employment Letters
Cover letter (solicited)
Introduces your resume
Used when applying applicant knows of specific job opening
Cover letter (unsolicited)
Introduces your resume
Used to “target” an employer, not specific position

Cover Letter Key Points
Use personal letterhead
12-pt. font
Use same font style as resume
Block format (recommended)
Must be error free
Keep it brief (3 paragraphs)

Cover Letter
Key Points cont.
Target skills and qualifications
Target those listed in advertisement for solicited cover letter
Include “enclosure” notation
Print on quality paper (same as resume)

Cover Letter – 1st Paragraph
First sentence
Refer to specific position and advertisement
Second sentence
Tell why you want to work for this company and/or
Show knowledge of company

Cover Letter – 2nd Paragraph
Focus on qualifications
Target duties/skills in advertisement
Discuss your experiences and educational qualifications

Cover Letter – 3rd Paragraph
Refer to your enclosed resume
Request an interview
Close with positive statement about yourself/your qualifications

Unsolicited Cover Letter
Differences in Content
First paragraph:
Begin by asking question to get reader’s attention or
State what your interest is regarding position with this company
Be as general (“marketing department”) or specific (“sales representative”) as you feel confident

Unsolicited Cover Letter
Differences in Content cont.
3rd paragraph – request they keep your resume on file for future reference
Avoid asking for interview when unsolicited