Faculty of Computer Science
and Engineering
Writing cover letter
What is a Cover Letter?
A supplement to the resume that includes more detailed
information about yourself
opportunity to cover qualifications we can’t fully explain in our
CV.
helps personalize job applicants
It highlights key points in your resume
Expresses your interest in a position
Tailored to position/company
Explains how you fit with organization and how you will
help them
Shows off your qualifications to a prospective employer
Pre-Cover Letter Tasks
Review websites, brochures, pamphlets and any other
pertinent materials you can find about the company
try to speak with current employees; this will provide you
with a unique inside perspective
Once you’ve done your research and you have a good
idea of what qualifications the company is looking for,
it’s time to separate yourself from the rest of the pack
Before you begin writing your letter, take some time
to brainstorm. Make a list of reasons why you’re the
ideal candidate
Important tips
Do not over use “I”. Instead, place the focus on the
employer and use the word “you”
Be brief. Your cover letter should be no more than one
page long. You are probably competing with other
applicants, employers just don’t have the time to read two
pages
Don’t just restate your résumé. The point of the cover
letter is to flesh out your resume’s selling points not to
repeat the same things that appear in your resume
Personalize your letter. When possible, address your cover
letter to a specific person.
Types of Cover Letters
• Format
– Email
– Paper
• Job
– Advertised
– Unadvertised
What to include?
• Introduce yourself, identify the position you
are applying for, and explain how you found
out about the position
• Explain how you are qualified for the position
and why you would be a great fit for the job
• Request an interview and thank the employer
What to include?
• Introduce yourself, identify the position you
are applying for, and explain how you found
out about the position
• Explain how you are qualified for the position
and why you would be a great fit for the job
• Request an interview and thank the employer
Paper Cover Letter Format
• Header
• Opening Paragraph
• Body Paragraph(s)
• Summary Paragraph
• Closing
• Your Name and Signature
Contact information
You should address the letter to a specific
person at the company you’re applying to.
You can usually find a name in the company’s
publications or you can inquire by telephone
Header
You should address the letter to a specific person at the
company you’re applying to.
You can usually find a name in the company’s
publications or you can inquire by telephone
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Ms., Mr., Dr., (etc)
In case of email cover letter, add recipient and subject
Header
1309 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
June 15, 2004
Ms. Sandra Jones
ABZ Company
New York, New York
00055
Dear Ms. Jones:
Header - salutation
• The greeting depends on how much information you
have about the company.
– If you know the name of the hiring manager, your
salutation should be something like "Dear [insert name]"
followed by either a comma or a colon. Make sure to
address the manager formally using their proper title (Mr.,
Ms., Dr., etc.).
– If you don't know the name of the hiring manager,
consider addressing your letter "Dear Hiring Manager,"
"Dear Recruiting Team," or "Dear [insert company name]
Team."
• Avoid using "To whom it may concern," or “Dear Sir
or Madam”
Opening Paragraph
• Use this paragraph to introduce yourself and
to get the attention of the employer.
• Be professional and polite in language and
tone.
• Mention the position you are applying for, why
you are applying for the job, and how you
found out about it.
• Show interest in the organization, and explain
why you would like to be part of it.
• It should grab the reader’s attention
Opening Paragraph - Example
Dear Mr. Pierce:
As the enclosed resume attests, the customer
support position advertised in the Sacramento Bee
is a perfect fit with my qualifications. My experience
working as a Help Desk Student Assistant in the
Division of Information Technology at San Francisco
State University and my vast experience in the
audio field has prepared me for the technological
and user support this job requires, making me an
ideal candidate for this position.
Opening Paragraph - Example
Dear Mr. Pierce:
I am responding to your ad in Business Week
for a position as an Accounting Consultant. My
experience and education make me an
excellent candidate for this position.
Body Paragraph
• Refer employees to certain points in your
resume
• Emphasize your strongest qualifications or top
selling points
• Show how these qualifications will benefit the
company you’re applying for
• You may provide examples of your
achievements that have benefited previous
companies
• Be specific in your descriptions
Body Paragraph - Example
As my resume highlights, I have offered high-
responsibility computer and software support for
faculty, staff and students. This experience, along with
constant home use of computers, has given me a
thorough background of many different forms of
software and operating systems including the Windows
and Apple families, Microsoft Office, and Dreamweaver.
I have also become very comfortable Performing
hardware and software upgrades on Windows and Mac
machines and working with various types of networks
including wireless and LAN. In addition, I master new
skills quickly and complete tasks efficiently.
Body Paragraph - Example
As a banking representative at Chase, I
provided quality customer service while
promoting the sale of products to customers. I
also handled close to $20,000 each day and
was responsible for balancing the bank’s ATM
machine. My experience with customer
relations and money management can help
your accounting firm expand its Middle East
division located in Dubai.
Closing Paragraph
• Ask for an interview
• Set up a possible time and date
• Try using an active ending; in other words, rather than asking
them to contact you, tell them you will contact them in a few days
• Provide your contact information. Include your email address and
your phone number so the hiring manager can get in touch with
you.
• Mention that your resume or references are attached
• Thank the person for their time
• End your letter with a respectful closing statement like
"Sincerely“, “Respectfully,”, “Regards,” or "Best"
– Email cover letter: type your full name.
– Paper cover letter: write your signature
Closing Paragraph - Example
I would like to discuss this position with you in
person. Please feel free to contact me with any
questions you have. You may reach me at 812-
855-5555 or
[email protected]. I will follow up
with you next week to check on the status of my
application. Thank you very much for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure: resume
Closing Paragraph - Example
Please take the time to look over my resume, and feel free
to contact my references. I would love to further discuss
this position in person. I will follow up with you in a few
days to answer any preliminary questions you might have.
In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at
916-424-4444.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Enclosure: resume
