Cover Letter Samples

Effective Job Application Letters and How to Write Them

Oct 23, 2009

The resume highlights the candidate's accomplishments, job skills, and objectives. The cover letter personalizes the application. Here are some examples.

Most job seekers don’t realize that cover letters come in a variety of types depending on the person's employment situation. For example, those who are changing careers and thus don’t meet specific requirements for the position will want to focus on transferrable skills. Recent college grads will want to focus on internships and educational achievements. But for most workers, the traditional cover letter focuses on how skills and experience match the employer’s requirements.

Cover Letter Sample for Career Change

Workers who are changing careers should focus not on specific competencies in the cover letter, but job skills they can transfer to the new opportunity. For example, an administrative assistant who would like to become a technical writer can focus on writing, editing, software, and training skills.

Dear (Mr. or Ms. Hiring Manager, or if the name is unknown, simply Hiring Manager):

This letter is in response to your job listing for the position of Technical Writer posted on Monster.com. I read the position description with interest, and I believe my background in writing, editing, and training qualifies me as a strong contender for this opportunity.

In addition to my strong communication and writing abilities you will find me confident, highly organized, personable, and capable. Please see my resume for a more comprehensive look at my skills.

I would welcome the chance to meet with you to further discuss this opportunity. I am confident that I could provide value to your company as a member of your team. I can be reached at name@mailbox.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cover Letter Sample for Recent College Grads

Recent college graduates will want to place focus on educational background, internships, and achievements. In particular, they will want to show enthusiasm for the company and clearly communicate career goals.

Dear (Mr. or Ms. Hiring Manager, or if the name is unknown, simply Hiring Manager):

This letter is in response to your job listing for the position of Web Designer posted on Monster.com. I read the position description with interest and am highly impressed by X Company’s leadership in the software industry.

I am a recent graduate of the University of Maryland with experience in computer science and web design and development. Last summer I interned at Y Company. I worked in their web development group to code, design, test, debug, and launch new websites for Fortune 500 companies. As a key team member, I closely collaborated with top clients and solved problems using knowledge gained from previous internships and coursework in information technology.

Given my enthusiasm and strong work ethic, I am confident I could add value to your company with the web design and development skills I learned during my internships. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you in greater detail. I can be reached at name@mailbox.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cover Letter Sample for Experienced Workers

Seasoned professionals will want to highlight the close match between competencies and the requirements of the open position. When writing, focus on how to convince the employer the candidate is best suited for the job above everyone else and has what it takes to succeed.

Dear (Mr. or Ms. Hiring Manager, or if the name is unknown, simply Hiring Manager):

This letter is in response to your job listing for the position of Art Director posted on Monster.com. I read the position description with interest and found a close match between my core competencies and your requirements.

As an experienced graphic artist, I designed book covers, posters, banners, stickers, window clings, labels, logos, and web graphics for numerous Fortune 500 companies. In my last position as an Art Director at a well-known New York City design firm, I successfully mentored and supervised a team of six employees. My strong leadership and creative skills have won the accolades of clients and upper management.

Your requirements for this opportunity state that you are looking for an experienced graphic designer with strong knowledge of Flash, HTML, and Adobe CS4. You would also like a highly personable individual with team-building, leadership, and mentoring skills to lead a new graphics department to success. Because I possess these very same qualities, I am confident I can add value to your company and succeed in building and mentoring a top-rate design group.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss how my competencies and background closely match the position X Company is looking to fill. I can be reached at name@mailbox.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cover Letter Tips

Keep the cover letter as short and concise as possible. Do not to repeat the resume word for word within the letter body; rather, provide a personalized summary of applicable competencies and how they match the job opening. Like the resume, use lots of action verbs (e.g., developed, managed, coordinated). In the conclusion section, remember to make the final push to sell the employer on the close match between job skills and the requirements of the position.

Writing an effective cover letter is very important to the employment search. Not only does it serve to personalize the resume, it also serves to highlight the close match between the employer’s requirements and the person’s core competencies. A well-written cover letter grabs the attention of hiring managers and increases the chances the candidate will be contacted for an in-person interview.

The copyright of the article Cover Letter Samples in Writing Resumes is owned by Daniel Gansle. Permission to republish Cover Letter Samples in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Oct 27, 2009 4:13 PM

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