I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead. - Mark Twain
A properly written job application letter, or a cover letter, is an effective way to get your potential employers' attention and to convince them to read your CV. A good cover letter should clearly explain why you are a suitable candidate for the job. What is a Good Cover Letter
1. Constructive, positive and optimistic 2. Focuses on the potential employer’s needs - clearly connects qualifications, skills and experience to the advertised position 3. The first paragraph causes reader’s interest and attention 4. Has subject line or “RE:” to refer to the position a person is applying for 5. Consistent font size, e.g. Times New Roman 12 or Arial 9 6. No italics because it is hard to read italics, no bold text (except some special words) and no columns 7. No contracted forms such as it’s or can’t, no exclamation marks, no emoticons or other symbols expressing emotions 8. Short paragraphs 9. It is not a summary of CV or Resume 10. Tells the truth 11. Does not have “To Whom it May Concern” 12. Maintains consistency and contains appropriate spaces between lines and paragraphs 13. No typographic or grammar errors 14. No more than one page long (3-6 paragraphs).
Example of a Cover Letter
Dear Dr. Hiring,
Re: Research Assistant
You emphasize a combination of requirements involving written and verbal skills and computer expertise in your search for a research assistant. With this profile in mind, I offer my credentials for your review. As English major and Computers minor, I seek opportunities to connect the quantitative and qualitative aspects of business. In your position, I see the possibility to offer my proficiency with computer applications along with communication and proofreading skills developed through teaching and tutoring. I believe that the following aspects of my background are most relevant to your position: • Introduction to practical business operations involving exposure to client development, organizational communication and computer applications. • Experience as a writing fellow tutoring grammar issues and proofing assignments. • Expertise in verbal communication including public speaking skills developed through teaching and lecturing at educational institutions. I would be happy to discuss your position, learn more about your business and demonstrate the match between your needs and my talents. Yours sincerely,
This website is free. No registration or login is required. Your assistance is needed. Please donate to improve this website. ESL DRIVE BLOG
Materials on this website are published for research and educational purposes and information is presented as accurately as possible. ESL DRIVE is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. Disclaimer.