The Cover Letter

The cover letter is an effective tool. A well-written cover letter accompanying your resume can secure the job interview you've been hoping for. A good cover letter will succinctly identify the specific skills you possess that will benefit a potential employer. The Co-op Office staff will review drafts of cover letters to prospective Co-op employers.

When preparing a cover letter,keep in mind the following points:

Type your letter on a quality paper.
Be neat; don't erase or type over mistakes.
Make an extra effort, whenever possible, to open the letter with addressee's name. When a name is not available, do not use any salutation.
Be personable, but not overbearing, in the written tone of your letter.
Don't forget to sign your name.

The purpose of the cover letter is:

To secure a job interview.
To demonstrate the applicant's writing skills.
To identify what specific skills the applicant has that will benefit the employer.

There are numerous texts available in the Career Services/Cooperative Education Library, located in L177, that can assist you with your letter preparation.

Cover Letter Format

Date
Name of individual letter being sent to
Title
Name of institution/company
Address
City, State, Zip code
Dear Mr./Ms. _____________________________:

Tell why you are writing. Name the position, field or general area in which you are interested. Tell how you found out the position was open.
Describe your professional/educational qualifications. Cite one or two area of qualification/experience that specifically qualify you for the position. Emphasize particular areas of related experience and training.
Close by noting that you will provide any additional information requested. Note that you will look forward to a future response. Your closing should make a specific action from the reader likely.

Sincerely,
Your full signature
Your full name typed

Cover Letter Sample

January 21, 2012
Ms. Susan Peters
Public Relations Director
Mayer & Strauss
23 Media Street
Warner, CT 06233

Dear Ms. Peters:
I am interested in a summer cooperative education position as a public relations assistant at Mayer & Strauss. An article in the March 12 issue of the Hartford Courant announced Mayer & Strauss' award of a $5 million public relations contract with Purina.

As a five year volunteer for Animal Friends and as a Communications student at Manchester Community College, I possess the technical skill and client perspective necessary to be an asset to your agency. I have produced several videos promoting healthy pet care for my video/film-making class, in which I received an A.

Enclosed is my resume and a brochure outlining the Co-op program. If you are interested in meeting me, please call me for an interview appointment.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Jill Student

Last Update: February 29 2012
For additional information, contact: Robert Henderson