The document provides guidance on writing effective cover letters to accompany resumes in job applications. It outlines the essential components of a cover letter, including how to introduce oneself, explain interest in the position, highlight relevant experience, and indicate follow-up actions. Additionally, it stresses the importance of maintaining a genuine tone and customizing each letter to the specific job application.

1. Job Searching 101: Preparing a resume and searching for jobs online Part Three: Cover Letters Warren Public Libraries 1 City Square, Suite 100 Warren, Michigan 48093 (586) 751-0770

2. What is a cover letter? A cover letter is a formal letter you attach to your resume It should introduce you (briefly), explain what you like about the job posting, and detail why you’re a good fit for the position.

3. A cover letter should… Explain why you are sending a resume . Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization. Convince the reader to look at your resume. Call attention to elements of your background. Reflect your attitude. Provide or refer to any information specifically requested. Indicate what you will do to follow-up .

4. Explain why you are sending a resume Are you applying for one position? Or several? Are you inquiring about possible future positions? Be specific.

5. Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization Is it a well-known organization? (GM, Dell, Pfizer, etc.) Was there a job posting somewhere? If so, where? (Craigslist, Monster) Did a friend tell you about it? (“Jane Smith, who was my mentor in college informed me about this position…”)

6. Convince the reader to look at your resume. Why are you interesting? Why do you fit the company or the position?

7. Call attention to elements of your background. What have you done before that is like this job? Where have you worked/what events in your life have helped you prepare for a position like this? If the position seeks someone outgoing, show how you have been outgoing before.

8. Reflect your attitude. Make sure the tone of your letter helps the reader to understand your personality. Don’t go overboard.

9. Provide or refer to any information specifically requested. Did the posting ask for a writing sample? Or recommendation letters? Explain in the cover letter that those things are included, and incorporate a sentence or two about the item.

10. Indicate what you will do to follow-up. Are you going to call in two weeks? Do you want them to call you?

11. How do I write one? Start by looking over the job posting. What do you like about it? Why do you think you’d be a good fit? Jot down a few notes, keeping in mind what the cover letter needs to do.

12. Proper Business-Letter Format

13. Start typing! Talk about the categories we mentioned before: why are you applying, and who you are. Use the notes you took before. Be genuine. Don’t include sentences meant to impress, if they’re not true.

14. Edit Spell-check (F7), and have a friend spell-check your work. Make sure the punctuation is correct, and especially the names and companies you’re writing to, and writing about.

15. Example Dear Mr. Jackson: From your company's web site I learned about your need for a sales representative for the Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina areas. I am very interested in this position with Acme Pharmaceuticals, and believe that my education and employment background are appropriate for the position. While working toward my master’s degree, I was employed as a sales representative with a small dairy foods firm. I increased my sales volume and profit margin appreciably while at Farmer’s Foods, and I would like to repeat that success in the pharmaceutical industry. I have a strong academic background in biology and marketing, and think that I could apply my combination of knowledge and experience to the health industry. I will complete my master's degree in marketing in mid-May and will be available to begin employment in early June. Enclosed is a copy of my resume, which more fully details my qualifications for the position. I look forward to talking with you regarding sales opportunities with Acme Pharmaceuticals. Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you received my email and resume and to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration. Bob McFakerson

16. Notes Be genuine, but don’t go overboard. It’s good to be excited about a position, but you don’t have to use CAPSLOCK or exclamation points! To get your point across. Don’t use the same letter for every application; even if they have similar requirements. Be detailed, but not too detailed; remember, this should be business-appropriate. ( DO tell them how you know the person writing your letter of recommendation; DON’T tell them every detail of the meeting.)