Introduction Letter for Job Hunting
An introductory letter, better known as a cover letter, has the primary purpose of pointing out how the qualifications listed in your resume match the position you are applying for. Secondarily, the appearance and phrasing of the cover letter convey unmistakable messages about your motivation, work ethic and personality traits. The cover letter is the first impression you make on a potential employer--make it perfect.
Other People Are Reading
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Formatting
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To stand out among what could be hundreds of job applicants, print your cover letter on high-quality white paper in an easy-to-read font. Make sure it is free of spelling errors. The Virginia Tech Career Center suggests, "Use a font style that is simple, clear and commonplace, such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Font sizes from 10 to 12 points are generally in the ballpark of looking appropriate. Keep in mind that different font styles in the same point size are not the same size. A 12-point Arial is larger than a 12-point Times New Roman."
Formatting
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Mail your letter in a clean, neatly addressed envelope free of strong odors such as perfume or tobacco smoke. Address your letter to a specific person. If your job announcement does not mention a name, call the company to find out who will receive your application. If you are unable to find a name, phrases such as "Dear Personnel Director" for a large company or "Dear Screening Person" for a small company are acceptable as a last resort.
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Heading
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According to Purdue Online Writing Lab: "The heading provides your contact information, the date you are writing and the address of the company to which you are applying. For your contact information, you will want to include the following: your name, the address where you can be reached, phone number, fax number, email address. Then, you will skip a line and write the full date. Follow this by skipping a space and writing the contact information for the person to whom you are writing: name of the specific person, title of that person, address of the company."
Opening Paragraph
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The opening paragraph states the title of the position you are applying for and the date and place it was advertised. Use the job ad's exact words in the position title. Explain briefly why you are applying for the position. Mention how many years of experience you have in the field.
Second Paragraph
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In the second paragraph, briefly describe how your education, experience, skills and personality match the position you are applying for. Tell the screening person how you can make the company money, how you can save it money and how you can solve its problems. Demonstrate that you know the company and have put effort into researching particulars.
Closing
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In the third paragraph, clearly state that you want the job and that you intend to stay with the company for an extended period. Point out why the screening person should read your resume in depth. Then ask for an interview. Suggest a follow-up phone call at a specific time. Close by thanking the screening person for his time and consideration. Close with "Sincerely," your handwritten signature, your printed name, address, phone number and email address.
Cover Letter Help
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The cover letter, the resume and all parts of the job application process function as an examination testing your motivation, skills and qualifications as well as your personality traits. Approach them as such and prepare accordingly. Some states offer comprehensive job hunter classes that train you in the entire application process. Public libraries and the web offer sample cover letters.
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References
Resources
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