Cover letter structure and examples

Current Date

Individual's Name
Title
Employer
Employer Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

First Paragraph Indicate the reasons for writing, the specific position or type of work you are applying for, and how you learned of the opening. Make sure this and all paragraphs have at least two sentences.

Second & Third Paragraphs Mention why you are interested in the position, the organization, its products or services. Above all, indicate what you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you have practical work experience, state the specific achievements or unique qualifications. Try not to repeat information found in your resume.

Fourth Paragraph Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application, which summarizes your qualifications, training, and experience.

Final Paragraph In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview. Advise the individual of your flexibility as to a time and location. State your phone number and offer assistance to help in a speedy response.

Sincerely,

(Your Handwritten Signature)

Your Name

Enclosure

March 1, 199X

Ms. Susan Jones
Rexnord Corporation
634 Glenn Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090

Dear Ms. Jones:

For the past several years I have followed the innovative product design and development of Rexnord Corporation with much interest. Therefore, I was very excited to see the listing for the Junior Design Engineer at Rexnord posted in the Placement Office at Purdue University Calumet. I believe that my education and experience make me a strong candidate for the position and I have enclosed my resume for your consideration.

I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University Calumet this past December. Through my coursework at Purdue I gained knowledge and experience in design and application. I had the opportunity to experience teamwork in product design and production while working on my senior project. In addition to my engineering skills, I have developed effective communications and customer relations skills as a result of my sales position at Radio Shack.

The idea of working in a position where I can practice engineering while relating to people excites me. I would like to meet with you to discuss my qualifications and how they coincide with Rexnord's current needs. For additional information I can be reached at (219) 555-6724. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours,

Jane Engineer

Jane Engineer

Enclosure

March 25, 199X

Ms. Susan Johnson
President
County Chapter for United Giving
4554 South Lane Street
Anyplace, IN 46400

Dear Ms. Johnson:

I am forwarding my resume in response to your job description of Public Relations Director listed in the City Banner newspaper on March 15, 199X. After reading the job description, I believe that my work experience has prepared me very well for the position you seek to fill.

I participated as a volunteer for several not-for-profit organizations, and later made the non-profit industry my career where I have been working for the past four years. Specifically, I worked as the Public Relations Assistant for Tri-City Mental Health Center where I was responsible for writing and editing a monthly newsletter, developing promotional pieces, and publicizing special and fund-raising events. Currently, I am working for Lake Area United Way. This position has strengthened and enhanced my organizational and communication abilities. As a fund raising consultant, I am in constant contact with the public by serving as a liaison between businesses and local agencies, and by representing other non-profit organizations in various workshops and conventions. My resume highlights other attributes which apply to the position of Public Relations Director.

I am very interested in the position that County Chapter of United Giving is offering. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this opportunity and my qualifications in more detail. I may be contacted at (219) 555-0010 or (219) 555-0020.

Sincerely,

Ronald Archer

Ronald Archer

Enclosure