Tip No. 228
Q. What should I include in my cover letter?
A. A cover letter should consist of the following: • Always address your cover letter to a particular individual; never use "To Whom It May Concern." If necessary, call the employer and request the name of the person responsible for hiring entry-level professionals in your area of interest. Be sure to get the correct spelling and the job title of that person. If you cannot get the name, address your salutation to the title of the per, e.g. "Dear Creative Director." Use "Dear Sir or Ms." as a last resort. • State your purpose or objective in the opening sentence of your letter. Specifically name the position for which your are applying so that the employer will know immediately why you are writing. • Mention how you learned about the job opening and why it interests you. • If possible, mention a name. For example, "Larry Jones suggested I contact you about . . . ." Make sure you have permission from the person to whom you refer, and that the contact knows the person to whom you are sending your letter. • Show some familiarity with the company or organization to which you are applying. Research the employer and indicate in your letter why you are particularly interested in them. For example, discuss that you are familiar with their future plans or current issues or problems. • Stress specific strengths you have which qualify you for the job. It can be effective to expand on one or two related experiences listed in your resume. Do not repeat information on your resume word for word. • Close your letter by thanking the employer for their consideration and requesting an interview
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