One of the most important parts of your report is a cover letter; in fact, do not send your report without one. By highlighting how your skills and experience can contribute to the company, a good cover letter will invite the reader to browse your resume for more detailed information.
Be concise and personal. Good cover letters should show your sense of purpose, your enthusiasm for the position/ company, and how you can help the company to meet their goals and needs. Conduct research on the company so that your cover letter is tailored to it specifically—these are not mass-produced letters! The letter should be directed to a specific individual in the company and should mention a specific next step you will be taking.
Below are some guidelines to follow as you create your cover letter:
FORM
- Make sure the letter follows a professional business letter format.
- Make sure it is on bonded paper.
- Like your report, the cover letter should be grammatically correct, with no punctuation or spelling errors. Make sure you proofread carefully.
- Address each employer by name and title. (Usually, you can call the company and ask who the hiring manager is for the position for which you are interested.)
- If you cannot find the hiring manager’s name, begin your letter with “Dear Hiring Manager for [name of position]:”
- Do not begin with “Dear Sir or Madam:” or “To Whom It May Concern:”
CONTENT
- Tailor your letter to each job opportunity, as much as possible. Demonstrate some detailed knowledge of the company.
- Assess the organization’s needs and goals. Then match your skills to how they will benefit the organization.
- Use a mature voice.
- Avoid long sentences that may be unclear.
- Use action verbs.
- Show confidence, enthusiasm, and optimism in your tone.
- Be professional and respectful.
- Show some personality, but avoid being too unorthodox.
- Make sure your letter is in a logical sequence.
- Make sure each paragraph is organized around a main point.
- Keep your letter to one page only.
FORMAT
- Opening Paragraph:
Target a specific position in the organization. State how you heard about the position/organization. Tell who you are (senior at A&M in Civil Engineering).
- Paragraphs 2/3:
Highlight specific skills and experiences that qualify you for the job you’re applying for. Use concrete examples to expand what you listed on your resume and to show how your education and experience make you suitable for the position. Explain how you would contribute to the organization. Indicating that you know specific details about the organization is not absolutely necessary; however, it is a good way to catch the eye of the hiring manager reading the letter. Your cover letter should elaborate, not copy, your resume.
- Closing paragraph:
Highlight action! Ask the person for feedback at their convenience. Indicate what materials you have enclosed and offer to provide any additional information (writing sample, portfolio). Thank the person for their consideration and indicate you are looking forward to hearing from them. Or better yet, let them know you will be calling them!
For more detailed information about effective cover letters go to http://www.quintcareers.com/tutorial_14b_ans.html
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