subject: What to Include in a Cover Letter [print this page] What to Include in a Cover Letter What to Include in a Cover Letter
The second piece, of course, is the most important and can be hard to compose, but otherwise a cover letter is a simple and straightforward piece of writing.
Let's look at the cover letter in a little more detail. The heading is where you include your full name and address. The first paragraph is brief-only about two sentences long. Here, you simply introduce yourself and state the name of the position for which you are applying. You might even mention how you heard that this position is open; if someone the employer knows recommended that you apply for this job, be sure to mention that person's name in this part of the letter.
The second paragraph is the heart of the cover letter. Do a good job here and you very likely might be getting a call from this company soon after you submit the letter. You want to describe the specific skills, experiences and attributes that would make you a good candidate for this job. In order to do a good job at this task, you'll have to first look into the position to determine the duties and responsibilities that this position carries. Then you'll have to consider why you would be suited to carry out each of those responsibilities. Maybe you've performed similar tasks at previous jobs.
If so, you should clearly describe the job and the project that you successfully completed that's similar to what you'd be doing at this new position. Or maybe you studied how to complete on of those tasks in college. Maybe the job involves doing something you've never actually done before, like selling medical supplies, but you feel you have the personal qualities-conscientiousness, a bright and friendly demeanor-that would make you successful at that task. Also, try to include one or two specific details about the company you're applying to, so that it's obvious you have an interest in this company and you aren't just mailing out cover letters and resumes indiscriminately.
And always be sure you keep your descriptions as short and concise as possible. You don't want to include any unnecessary autobiographical information here: your marital status, details about your childhood, or anything else like that. This paragraph really should be no longer than five brisk, informative sentences.
You can close your cover letter with a short third paragraphs that includes your contact information and a request for a meeting or a formal job interview. Remind the person reading the letter that your resume is enclosed. Finally, end with a closing such as "Sincerely yours" and then sign your name at the bottom.
Proofread carefully!
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