Sample Cover Letter

123 Main Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 December 1, 1998 Ms. Marilyn C. Employer Hammer, Wrench & Saw 150 Market Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 Dear Ms. Employer: Please consider the enclosed copy of my resume an application for the position of law clerk with your firm. I learned from the Career Services Office that you plan to hire a first-year law student next summer. I was pleased to discover that your firm practices in the area of construction law because that area is of particular interest to me. As the assistant office manager for Longfellow Construction Company, I was involved with some construction law issues. I find this practice area fascinating and would like to learn more about it, as well as the other practice areas of your firm. I enjoy researching and writing, as evidenced by my involvement with the school newspaper. I feel this trait would be an asset to your firm. I am extremely interested in the summer law clerk position with your firm and would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss this matter during an interview. I can interview at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Fredrick Firstyear Enclosure: resume

REMEMBER! There is no one perfect cover letter. The advice and examples of cover letters suggested here should only be used as guides. It is extremely important that you individualize the letter to highlight your unique qualifications; as they relate to the specific requirements sought by the employer.

What makes a good Cover Letter?

1. It should be brief (one page), precise, and written in a business letter style.

2. No spelling or typing errors. Not even one. Check and recheck for accurate spelling and grammar. Do not rely on spell-check.

3. Address it to the person who can hire you. Resumes sent to the personnel department have a tougher time of it. If you can find out (through networking and researching) exactly who is making the hiring decision, address the letter to that person. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. A touch of formality is good too: address the person as "Mr.," "Ms.," "Mrs.," "Miss," "Dr.," or "Professor." Cover letters should never include the salutations "To Whom It May Concern," "Dear Hiring Partner," or "Dear Sir or Madam."

4. Write it in your own words so that it sounds like you – not like something out of a book. Employers are looking for knowledge, enthusiasm, focus.

5. Show that you know something about the company and the industry. This is where your research comes in. Don't go overboard – just make it clear that you didn't pick this company out of the phone book. You know who they are, what they do and you have chosen them!

6. Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. (This is where your industry research and networking come in.) Your cover letter should match your professional and personal qualifications with what the organization specifically needs for the position, it is not self-centered. If you are applying for an advertised position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in BOLD type. For example: the ad says – "2 years' experience processing magnetic media (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit plan design, contracts and claims; and business background withstrong analytical & technical skills – dBase, Excel, R&R, SQL." Make sure your cover letter contains each of these requirements and shows how you measure up.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 818

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