Job Search: How to Write a Cover Letter and a Follow-up Letter

Try to write a cover letter with each resume you send out. If you send your resume via email, make the body of the email the cover letter.

Word has templates that you can easily follow for these letters, but if you wish to follow examples, here are a few:

(Your information)

(Date)

(4 blank rows)

(Company’s information)

Dear __________,

Paragraph 1 – Tell them the position you are interested in, where you heard of it, and/or which department in their company you are interested in joining.

Paragraph 2 – Tell them why you are so interested specifically in their company. Based on the job description, explain to them how you can help them succeed. Tell them about any related experience or achievements you have made that would make you the ideal candidate.

Paragraph 3 – Tell them you are attaching your resume, references, transcripts, etc.

Final Paragraph – Tell them you are anxious to hear from them and get an interview. Also, ask if they need anything else and to feel free to contact you if they have any further questions.

Regards,

(Handwritten signature)

(Type your name)

Enclosure: (resume, samples of work, application, etc.)

Date

<Name of company, Name, Title, Address>

Dear <Mr or Mrs.>,

I would like to express my interest in the position of <name of position> that was posted on <website or newspaper where you saw the ad>. Based on the skills required for this position <use either the skills listed in the job description or the skills required of this job title in general>, I am confident that I am very well qualified.

As you can see from my resume, <point out the qualities that make you the ideal candidate for the position>. Name a specific thing you did in one of your previous companies that helped the company succeed <and that shows how you are qualified for this position>.

Explain the documents that you attached, and ask them to contact you for more information.

Sincerely,

<Your name>

(Center at the top) Your contact information

(Center at the top) Date

<Name of company, Name, Title, Address> (on the left)

Dear <Mr.>,

In response to your ad for a --- in the <name of resource or newspaper) Please find attached my resume and references for your review.

Your company has a very positive regulation in the global community, and I believe my expertise would be a worthy addition. I was particularly attract to this position because of my interest in ---, and the opportunity to use my --- skills.

As we agreed in our conversation, I will call you on <date> to follow up. In the mean time, you may call me at (555)133-1234 if have additional questions or need additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration

(On the right) Sincerely,

(Leave blank lines)

Type your full name.

Print it off and sign your full name in the space about your written name.

<Your name and all contact information>

Date

<Name of company, Name, Title, Address>

Dear <Mr.>,

I was a pleasure to attend the --- meeting.

After the meeting, I introduced myself to you and expressed my desire to work for your company.

I asked another question when we talked. I asked if the company had any plans for the advancement of ---. --- is of particular interest that is important to me since that is where I focused my education and experience on that very subject.

I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the work your company is doing in this exciting and vital area.

Enclosed is a copy of my resume, which you previously asked for. Thank you very much for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

<4 new rows)

Name

To Whom it May Concern,

I would like to express my interest in <name of position> that was listed on <site/source>. Based on my skills in <skills listed in posting> and <skill listed in posting>, I am confident that I would be an ideal candidate for your company.

My resume that illustrates my knowledge and expertise in <specific subject matter> and <specific area or industry> is attached. During my time at <company>, I was able to <succeed, save money, save time, increase productivity> in <specific area> {List example relevant to this position, focusing on how you can help the company}.

Thank you in advance for your time. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions of need additional information.

Sincerely,

<Your name>

An employer wants to know you are interested in the job. Feel free to call them to ask if a decision on the position has been made. Sending a handwritten letter is a nice gesture to follow an excellent interview. Follow up or thank you letters are very important. You should remind the interviewer what was said, who you are, and how things went. Do this as soon as you possibly can after you leave the interview. Ensure you have people’s names and phone numbers. If they give you any follow-up instructions or have questions, be sure to write them down so that you can remember to get back to them. If you have any follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to call them after the interview or add the questions to the thank you note.

Date

<Name of company, Name, Title, Address>

Dear <Mr.>,

I enjoyed out interview and thank you very much for taking time away from your busy day to meet with me. I feel like I would be a great fit for your company.

With my <characteristics they are seeking: strong ethics, positive attitude, and fast learning skills>, I think I am an excellent candidate. With the values and mission of <name of company>, I would be honored to be a member of your team. I love your <product/company/something about them>!

My experience with <what they are looking for: commissions and excellent analytical skills in learning new processes> would greatly ease some of your current <job specific> duties that you are hoping to pass on to this new position.

I have a great ability to <skills: multi-task and prioritize my tasks in order of urgency, which maintaining my excellent organizational skills>. The fact that I am <skill: extremely detail oriented> helps me complete tasks in the most efficient manner. I truly enjoyed meeting with you and admired your positive attitude.

Working with a team that has such a positive attitude and a stable background has led me to believe that <name of company> is a great fit for me!

Thank you,

<Your name>

<Your contact information>

<Your name, address, phone number, and email address> (center)

<Date>

<Mr. Joe Smith>

<Research and Development Manager>

<Company Name>

<Address>

Dear Mr. Smith:

I wanted to thank you for the time you spent reviewing and discussing my skills for the <name of the position>. I enjoyed learning more about your company and plans for the future.

The position sounds very interesting, particularly since it would be an opportunity for me to use my skills and experience in <skills and experience>. I will call you in a few days in the hope that you have reached a decision favorable to both of us.

Sincerely,

(After printing, sign your name here).

<You’re Name>

• I enjoyed our interview, getting to know about the benefits of <your company>, and learning about the great position. It sounds like a great opportunity. With my experience with <experience>, I feel like I would be a great addition to your team! I appreciate your time and enjoyed getting to know you.
• …express my appreciation for my time at your company. I really enjoyed it. I liked getting to know more about the <industry> industry. I would really enjoy working there.
• …working with a team that is a close knit family with a positive attitude and a stable environment…
• …my stable background has led me to believe <job> is a great fit for me.
• …in the most efficient manner. I truly enjoyed meeting with you and admired your positive attitude.
• I enjoyed our interview and appreciate you taking time away from your busy <schedule> to meet with me. I feel that I would be a great fit for your company.
• …with my strong ethics, positive attitude, and fast learning. I think I am an excellent candidate.
• …with your values and mission, I would be honored to be a member of your time. I love your <product or service>!
• As we discussed, I love helping others and would very much enjoy an environment, such as yours.
• I would be a great asset to your department, or I feel I would be a great asset.
• I am a fast learner and very creative with making things more efficient, especially with my <advanced Excel> skills.
• My experience with <experience> would greatly ease some of your current <needed> duties. I have a great ability to multi-task and prioritize my tasks in order of urgency, while still maintaining my excellent organizational skills. The fact that I am extremely detail oriented helps me complete tasks accurately.
• I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you. The job sounds exciting, because I could use my <analytical> skills. I would be honored to be in an evolving and changing environment such as yours.
• I feel like my innovative and strong <career> skills would be a great addition to your department.
• I enjoyed our interview and great discussion about your company’s sound structure. I felt that the values on the mission statement of the company were ethical and admirable. I think it’s important for all employees to understand the big picture, which includes the safety of the workers, the quality of the output of the company, and the constant strive of the company to improve efficiency. I have always found it a core goal to find the most efficient way of performing. My <advanced Excel skills> have made this an easy conquest for me. My excellent <organizational> skills and ability to prioritize tasks have always led me to excel in what I do. I think my strong ethics, responsibility, dedication, hard work, and excellent communication skills would sit well with your company’s goals.
• “Your company’s mission and goals align perfect with my --- skill.”
• I hope I will be a top candidate and look forward to hearing from you soon.

• Ensure that you check your grammar and spelling. Print out and reread it over again.
• If you are emailing the information for a cover letter, include the information from the cover letter inside the email, not as an additional attachment.
• Don’t repeat information on the cover letter that is already on your resume.
• Keep the cover page to approximately half a page. Make it short and to the point.
• In the first paragraph, focus on which position you want and why you want it.
• In the second paragraph, explain why you are ideal. “I have over --- years of --- experience. I have won --- awards. I am extremely ---.”
• Have a solid conclusion.
• Show that you are a strong match for the company in every way possible.