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　　In-class reading & Business writing:

　　Job Application

　　Do you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job? Here's all the information you need to write an effective cover letter that will get your application noticed. If you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing cover letters to send with your resume.

　　What is a Cover Letter?

　　A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. The letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it will be listed in the job posting.

　　Different Types of Cover Letters

　　There are three general types of cover letters. Choose a type of letter that matches your reason for writing.

　　•The application letter which responds to a known job opening

　　•The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions

　　•The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search

　　How to Write a Cover Letter

　　Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview or having your resume ignored, so it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

　　Review these tips for what to include in a cover letter, how to format it, and examples of many different professionally written cover letters.

　　What to Include in Your Cover Letter

　　A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

　　Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences. Determine relevance by carefully reading the job description, evaluating the skills required, and matching them to your own skills. Think of instances where you applied those skills, and how you would be effective in the position available.

　　Each cover letter you write should be customized to include:

　　• Which job you're applying for

　　• How you learned about the job (and a referral if you have one)

　　• Why you are qualified for the job (be specific)

　　• What you have to offer the employer (match your skills to the job description)

　　• Thank you for being considered for the job

　　Cover Letter Writing Guidelines

　　Here's an outline of the items that should be included in every cover letter.

　　Header

　　A cover letter should begin with both you and the employer's contact information

　　(name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. If this is an email rather

　　than an actual letter, include your contact information at the end of the letter, after your

　　signature.

　　Salutation

　　Begin your cover letter salutation with "Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name." If you are

　　unsure if your contact is male or female, you can write out their full name. If you do not

　　know the employer's last name, simply write, "Dear Hiring Manager."

　　Introduction

　　Begin your introduction by stating what job you are applying for. Explain where

　　you heard about the job, particularly if you heard about it from a contact associated with

　　the company. Briefly mention how your skills and experience match the company

　　and/or position; this will give the employer a preview of the rest of your letter. Your

　　goal in the introduction is to get the reader's attention.

　　Body

　　In a paragraph or two, explain why you are interested in the job and why you make

　　an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed in the job

　　posting, and explain how you meet those qualifications. Do not simply restate your

　　resume, but provide specific examples that demonstrate your abilities.

　　Closing

　　In the closing section of your cover letter, restate how your skills make you a

　　strong fit for the company and/or position. State that you would like the opportunity to

　　interview or discuss employment opportunities. Explain what you will do to follow up,

　　and when you will do it. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

　　Signature

　　Use a complimentary close, and then end your cover letter with your signature,

　　handwritten, followed by your typed name. If this is an email, simply include your

　　typed name, followed by your contact information, after the complimentary close.

　　Edit Your Cover Letter

　　Remember to edit and proof your cover letter before sending it. It may sound silly, but make sure you include the correct employer and company names - when you write multiple cover letters at once, it is easy to make a mistake. Reading the letter aloud is a good way to catch small typos, such as missing words. Always double-check the spelling of your contact's name, as well as the company name.

　　Keep it Short

　　Keep in mind that your cover letter doesn't need to be long - one page is plenty.

　　How to Send an Email Application Letter

　　If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject line of the email message. Include your contact information in your email signature, but don't list the employer's contact information. Skip the date, and start your email message with the salutation.

　　The following is an example of a letter of application sent with a resume to apply for a job. Use this example as a guideline when writing your own job application cover letters. Your letter should detail your specific qualifications for the position and the skills you would bring to the employer.

　　A Sample Job Application Letter:

　　John Donaldson

　　8 Sue Circle Smith Town, CA 08067

　　Tel: 909-555-5555

　　Email:john.donaldson@emailexample.com

　　July 30, 2015

　　George Gilmore

　　XYZ Company

　　87 Delaware Road, Hatfield, CA 08065

　　Dear Mr. Gilmore,

　　I am writing to apply for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. As requested, I am enclosing a completed job application, my certification, my resume, and three references.

　　The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting, and I believe that my strong technical experience and education will make me a very competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include:

　　• I have successfully designed, developed, and supported live use applications(應(yīng)用)

　　• I strive for continued excellence

　　• I provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers

　　With a BS degree in Computer Programming, I have a full understanding of the full life cycle of a software development project. I also have experience in learning and excelling at new technologies as needed.

　　Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

　　I can be reached anytime via email at john.donaldson@emailexample.com or my cell phone, 909-555-5555.

　　Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

　　Sincerely,

　　Signature (for hard copy letter)

　　John Donaldson

　　Vocabulary and Expressions: