Help to Write a Cover Letter
A cover letter acts as an introduction. A cover letter can be included with a job resume, sent to a company when returning a product, included when you are trying to rent property or for any number of other reasons. The purpose of the cover letter is to quickly identify who you are and the purpose of contact. Writing an effective cover letter can streamline the avenues of communication before the business at hand begins.
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Basic Formatting Concerns
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A cover letter should be written in an easy-to-read font. Standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Courier are acceptable. Avoid fancy cursive fonts and other fonts that are awkward or hard to read. Format your cover letter with 1-inch margins on all sides and single spaced. For business cover letters, consider leaving out indents and space paragraphs with a double space between them. Type your name, address, phone number and email address in the upper left-hand corner or centered. Drop down two double spaces and type the recipient's name and address. Keep your cover letter short and to the point, preferably with no more than three paragraphs.
First Paragraph
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This paragraph should introduce you and tell the recipient why you are writing. If you're applying for a job, state this immediately. "My name is and I am writing in reference to an advertised position in the newspaper."
A cover letter to accompany a returned product would simply state who you are and that you are returning a product you purchased on (include date and store location).
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Second Paragraph
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Use this paragraph to state why you are applying for the job. Highlight some of your specific qualifications, especially those you feel would make you a likely candidate. Most of this will be saved for your resume, but this paragraph should give the prospective employer something that will make her consider you enough to look at your resume.
In the case of a cover letter accompanying a returned product, state the problem with the product and indicate who you spoke to regarding the return.
Third Paragraph
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Thank the recipient for considering you for the job. Indicate that you have enclosed a resume with your letter and that you look forward to hearing back from the recipient regarding further consideration for the job. Add a note of confidence to your ending paragraph by pointing out that you feel the company is a good match for your skills and you look forward to being a part of it.
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