Examples of cover letters that get the job (done.)
This page reminds us what cover letters are meant to do and what they can't do.
Examples are included. The examples are on this page (for copying and pasting) and in document form to get a copy for yourself - download.
Some basic 'mythbusting' about cover letters
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a gift wrap, a making personal, of your resume.
A cover letter is not difficult to write, does not need fancy wording, and should take no more than maybe 20 minutes to create.
Though the research that makes the cover letter sing may take you longer and is crucial.
It does not change the resume, it just makes your resume personal, and draws attention to the parts you want the person hiring to notice.
For every job that you might be faxing, emailing, or mailing, a resume by itself won't do the job; you need a cover letter.
Don't care if you have degree in English or think yourself a writer - get someone else to read your letter before you send it. We all make stupid misteaks, especially when you've been staring at the the d*mn thing for hours...
Don't care if you're not much with words or know nothing about computers, get someone to help with a cover letter. As you will see below, cover letters can and should be simple, and just need good plain English.
Finally if your cover letter, or one someone is writing for you, is a repeat of your resume, and says nothing about who you are writing to (the employer) then it's a rude waste of time.
read on...
A quick focussed cover letter that works
This one is in four parts.
The four parts are 'where and when', 'about them', 'about you' and 'thanks and I'll be in touch'
Where and When
Says where and when (duh!) you heard about the job.
About them
When you meet people for the first time is is polite and right to talk about them first, not you.
This section is your chance to shine - have you called the company, visited their website, called in to see them? Tell them that you have done this and what you found out. What you were impressed by, what you noticed.
About you
Says somethings about you that the employer is asking for. This section is NOT a place to repeat your resume. If you are not sure what to include, go back to the original advertisement - what do they want? Give them what they want and something more.
Thanks and I'll be touch
Says thanks for the chance to apply and lets them know when you'll be in touch (duh!).This is far better than the usual 'I look forward to hearing from you.' which is a weak way of finishing anything.
Samples
Here is a sample cover letter using the simple and effective four sections. About a third of the cover letter has to be changed each time you apply for a different job.
Yes, really - if you want the job that is...
Jane Smith - Cover letter - 'Bite Me' Head Chef.doc
This cover letter sample has the parts that need changing each time highlighted in a colour. A summary of the four sections is included at the foot of the page.
An example four part cover letter with the changes you need to make each time highlighted
Leave a comment