How to Address Employment in a Cover Letter

A strong cover letter should make your job seeking easier.

If you are conducting any sort of job hunt, you will not only want to make sure you have a stellar resume. You will also need a catchy cover letter. This letter serves as an introduction to you and your resume. It introduces the hiring manager to what he is about to read and answers possible questions before they are asked. One of the biggest confusions about writing a cover letter is how to address employment questions. With some creativity, you can provide general answers to anything that might come up.

Things You'll Need

• Work history
• Resume
• Word-processing program

Instructions

1. List your work history and your dates of employment. This information is probably on your resume already. Look to see if there are any gaps in your working time.

2. Begin typing the letter. This is a business letter, so it should have a place for the business address and your address. Address it to the hiring manager if you know her name, otherwise use "Dear Sir or Madam."

3. Write the first paragraph. The first paragraph should be an introductory one, explaining who you are and what position you are applying for.

4. Write the second paragraph, providing a broad overview of skills and positions that would make you appropriate for the job. Instead of listing the positions in detail, give an overview of what you did. For example, you might say something like "At my last position as a staff accountant, I learned the importance of daily revenue posting and accurate journal entries." This refers to the job and the skills associated with it without repeating the same information on the resume.

5. Address short-term jobs and long work gaps without going into too much detail. If you have had a series of short-term jobs, you might mention your many interests and your strong desire to find a company you can call home. If you have had a long employment gap, you might say something about wanting to jump back into the workforce with both feet.

6. Compose the final paragraph. This is a thank-you paragraph and should include your telephone number and an invitation for the hiring manager to call you for an interview. Do not re-address employment here.

Tips & Warnings

• Your cover should sound like a written handshake. You should use it to highlight certain skills and employment experience that will set you apart from other candidates.

• Do not list your work experience here. This is what a resume is for.

• Don't try to explain anything about your previous employment in detail in a cover letter. Let the hiring manager ask you about that during the interview.

References

• Trinity College: How to Write a Cover Letter