What is a cover letter?

What should I include in my cover letter?

How can I learn what will impress prospective employers?

How do I read a job advertisement carefully?

How can I learn what my qualifications are?

What if I don't have a qualification the employer is seeking?

Why is it important to learn about companies before preparing my cover letter?

How do I format my cover letter?

How do I organize my cover letter?

What do I include in my heading?

To whom should I address my letter?

What do I write in my introduction?

How do I approach writing my argument?

What should I include in my argument?

In my argument, should I show off my knowledge of the company?

What do I include in my closing?

Is there anything I should do before sending my cover letter to potential employers?

What do I include in my closing?

Your closing reveals what you plan to do after your readers have received your resume and cover letter. We recommend you do the following in your closing:

• Inform your readers when you will contact them.
• Include your phone number and e-mail address.
• Thank your readers for their consideration.

A sample closing follows.

I will contact you before June 5th to discuss my application. I look forward to speaking with you at that time. If you wish to contact me, I may be reached at 765-555-6473, or by e-mail at jwillis3@e-mail-link.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.

This approach may seem bold at first; you may be wondering why you should contact potential employers rather than wait for them to call you. We recommend this approach because potential employers will read your employment materials with more interest if they know you will be calling. Another reason is that many employment professionals prefer candidates who take the initiative to call.

Most importantly, we endorse this approach because it is imperative to follow up on every company that receives your employment materials. Otherwise, your resume and cover letter may end up filed away by the department of human resources. By following up, you can inform prospective employers you're still interested in the position and discover where you are in the hiring process.

When you tell readers you will contact them, be sure to do so. It will not reflect well on you if you forget to call a potential employer when you said you would. It's best to demonstrate your punctuality and interest in the company by calling when you say you will.

If you do not feel comfortable informing your readers when you will contact them, ask your readers to contact you, and thank them for their time. For example:

Please contact me at 765-555-6473, or by e-mail at jwillis3@e-mail-link.com. I look forward to speaking with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.