Friday, March 8, 2013

Cover Letters


cover letter is a type of business letter that's sent to an employer when you're applying for a job. A cover letter explains to the employer why you want a particular job and what makes you qualified for it.

Cover letters explain your experience and qualifications in detail. The ability to write a good cover letter shows employers that you have strong communication skills.

A cover letter should be less than one page long. It's also important for a cover letter to be single-spaced, clearly written, without errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Click on the sample cover letter below or view the original at Internship Guides for helpful guidelines. 


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TIPS:
Here are a few cover letter tips from Quintessential Careers:
  • Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a named individual
  • Grab the reader's attention by writing an appealing first paragraph
  • Highlight your three to four key accomplishments/skills/experiences
  • Focus on the fit between your qualifications and the job requirements
  • Whenever possible, relate yourself to the company
  • Never include any negative information
  • End your letter by requesting an interview
  • Mention that you will follow-up your letter -- and then do so
  • Cover letters should be kept to under one page; electronic versions even shorter
  • Avoid all types of mistakes, including typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors
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OTHER RESOURCES:

Read Write Think always comes up with fun, interactive tools, such as...


...and...

Check out this handy dandy Resume Generator!


Now, when the time comes to apply for a job, you will be set! I look forward to your cover letters. If you create a resume, I'd love to see that too!