How to Write an Inquiring Cover Letter
When searching for jobs, the application process can seem rather daunting as most employers require a cover letter and resume for you to receive any attention. Your first step, is of course, the resume, which you should have handy whenever you apply for jobs. A letter of inquiry, or cover letter, helps to cement your interest in the position by speaking a little bit about yourself in a professional and brief manner. The main concern of your cover letter is to make yourself look like a viable candidate for the position at hand.
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Instructions
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Address the person to whom you are writing in an opening salutation, such as "Dear Mr. Smith." You will want to look up a specific name, avoiding the use of a person's title like "Board of Directors." As Wellesley College suggests, directories are available for many different types of companies, so look those up to find the person you will address in the letter.
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Indicate your interest in the position in the first paragraph of your letter. You will want to state where you came across the advertisement, or how you heard of the company. Tell the person why you are interested in working for the company, providing reasons such as "The prestige and professional appeal of your company interest me greatly."
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Discuss your experience in the field, including any relevant research work, job experience and coursework that pertain to the position for which you are applying. Use this paragraph to sell yourself, giving excellent reasons why they should consider you for this position. Also, explain the goals you have in mind for your career, and how the company fits in with achieving those goals. Bring across through this paragraph that you are a highly motivated, intelligent, personable and enthusiastic person, as recommended by Virginia Tech University.
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End the letter with a final paragraph indicating willingness to interview. Provide contact information, including a professional-sounding email address--Don't leave them with "lovrgurl2000@email.com"--and a phone number. Write that you look forward to discussing your interest in greater detail, and end the paragraph with a sentence telling them, basically, that you have attached a resume you would like the company personnel to look over to get a more rounded idea who you are.
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Format the letter with your address at the top of the page, with the employer's address and date following that, with each separated by a space. End the letter with a closing such as "Sincerely" and then your name hand-written on the page.
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References
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