How to write a Cover letter.

Ed Note: I keep hearing these questions: How do I write a cover letter? What should be in a cover letter? Here is an answer.
A cover letter should answer the question – Why should I hire you? It should grab the employers attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview.
Here is a format:
YOUR ADDRESS (Do not put your name here)
TODAY’S DATE
Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER’S NAME (If you don’t have one, get one!)
TITLE
COMPANY’S NAME
ADDRESS

DEAR Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER:
FIRST PARAGRAPH: This is the “why I’m writing to you” paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for. This is short – usually 2-3 sentences.
Points to cover:
Why you are writing and which position you are applying for.
How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program. Do not write, “I learned of this opportunity through the Career Services Office.”
Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The goal is to make a connection – do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it out; sweeping statements will not work.
SECOND PARAGRAPH: This is the “why I’m qualified” paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 2 – 3 points you want to make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide  Specific examples to support those points. This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs.
Points to ponder:
The first sentence should be a hard-hitting opener. It is a quick introduction, which is accomplishment-oriented and directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the job/industry.
The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you’ve just claimed. Cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. Use your resume to come up with some specifics, but NEVER reiterate passages from your resume word for word. Discuss why what you did is to the employer- relate the facts to the job. Strong examples are important!
The final sentence is a summary of what you’ve discussed above. It’s a good idea to mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.
FINAL PARAGRAPH: This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name

See Sample Below **** UPDATED 19th August 2011***
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ. My CV is enclosed for your review. Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would appreciate your consideration for this job opening. My skills are an ideal match for this position.
Your Requirements:
  • Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities, including managing registration, solving customer problems, dealing with risk management and emergencies, enforcement of department policies.
  • Assists with hiring, training, and management of staff. Coordinate statistics and inventory.
  • Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are also preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license with good driving record. Ability to travel to different sites required.
  • Experience in programming and management.
My Qualifications:
  • Register students for courses, design and manage program software, solve customer problems, enforce department policies, and serve as a contact for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Hiring, training, scheduling and management of staff, managing supply inventory, and ordering.
  • Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience.  I can be contacted via email@email.com or on 080333333333. Again, thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Typed Name

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    49 Responses to “How to write a Cover letter.”

    1. orji Godwin says:

      Pls can u sent me an example of a good cover letter. I studied Business Administration and management. This cover letter honestly is very difficult for me, especially a good convincing one.

      I shall apprecaitate your contribution towards this.

      Thanks

      Godwin Orji
      orji_okezie@yahoo.co.uk

    2. ayoola says:

      pls, i need a copy too. thanks.

    3. tuagho says:

      This is clearly a detailed cover letter, almost as if
      The cv would not be needed after all. some
      People say this kind of cover is too much information
      I like this, but its a bit lengthy??? Some employers might
      Get bored reading through. Well, you are ??D???? professionals, I guess.

    4. CHETE NDIDI says:

      pls i need a summarized cover letter the sample is i think too lenghthy.thanks for a job weldone

    5. busola says:

      pls i also need a detailed copy of d cover letter.studied Accounting in the university

    6. Henry nwosu says:

      I nid a very brif cover letter, dat ll B able to stand 4 wat i read in schl & D experience dat i ave guarderd, supervising a fast food front desk & also working wit a credit admin department in a bank.

    7. Please, send me a copy.
      Thanks.

    8. Hakeem says:

      I am highly impress with ur cover note. Pls can u be magnanimous to send me a copy. Thank you in anticipation of your prompt response. See u at the top too

    9. becky b says:

      pls i also need a detailed copy of d cover letter.studied Accounting in the university

    10. oke gbenga says:

      can u send me a cover letter.i have masters in engineering[metallurgical & material] without experience.

    11. lolade says:

      This is very good. kindly send me the example via email…………..lurlerdei@gmail.com….thanks

    12. Lexxy says:

      need a professional and convincing cover letter example

    13. pls can i get a full detailed format for writing a good & confirm cv & cover letter. i will b very much glad if possible. thanks very much.

    14. akinyemi says:

      I need a coy of the cover letter. And when is d appropriate time to use is I( when u want 2 submit ur c.v or when

    15. pls i nd a dtaild copy of a convincing cover letter. I studied English Language and Literature

    16. Tobi says:

      Please i need a copy for my self

    17. Pls i need a comprehensive cover letter….i study Industrial and labour relation in the university….can u help me now plsssssssssssss

    18. Pls i will appreciate having a sample cover letter 4 an Accountant/ Internal Auditor, with experience in a microfimance bank. thx 4 d gud job.

    19. Thanks for the information I received about ‘COVER LETTER’ Please, I want you to help me out and I will like you to design one for me.I had 5years experience in building industry, I sturdy Architecture and I belong to Professional bodies i.e Nigeria Institute of Architecture and Nigeria Institute of Management. I will be looking forward to receive the reply.

    20. Dele Abiona says:

      pls i need a sample of a cover letter .i apreciate d format bt a sample can help me more.thanks

    21. Uju Ikeme says:

      Hello, i need an example of a cover letter. I studied Information Technology and Management in the university.

      Thank you jobberman, you are doing well.

    22. please i need your help too. I studied Industrial Chemistry and seeking to work in an oil and Gas firm. Thank you.

    23. I really appreciate this.

      Please I need a cover letter on my field. I studied Applied Bio-Chemistry in FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE ONDO STATE.

      Here is my email address. mikky4a@yahoo.com

      Thanks.

      WAKAMA

    24. Mabel says:

      Kindly go to our home and click on cv templates

    25. Mezeh Akpos Deborah says:

      This is really good enough reasons to sell oneself, writting a cover letter is letting ones employer know that one is the right person for the job available.

    26. Toyin says:

      Pls send me a cover letter for a person without working experience

    27. usman Queen says:

      Please I am a fresh graduate that just finished serving. Please can u help me with a cover letter for a fresh graduate and also a sample of a CV please? I have applied in a lot of companies online yet no response from them please. Thank you.

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    29. marvin says:

      Pls i need a concise cover letter that suits ?? qualification.banking and finance university of benin

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    33. Amuohu francis says:

      Good-day sir, I’m a graduate of banking and finance, and i would ‘love’ to develop a cover letter that is very convincing and especially for a position outside the banking sector. Also i want to create a body that is both simple and yet precise. The sectors i would like to venture into are manufacturing, oil and gas, and service provision (hospitality and customer care). Pls help me with some template and advice on how to back my point but on the cover letter and in an interview situation

    34. Anthony says:

      Pls I’m in dire need of the sample copies of ur Cv and Application letter write ups. I’ll really appreciate any possibility of having them frm u. Thanks.

    35. austin says:

      Please kindly send me a cover letter of an hr or that of an office administrator.
      Thank you and God bless you.

    36. Jerry Iliya Lena says:

      I did political science and will like to apply for a job in the federal ministry of foreign affairs,please you design a cover letter for me?.
      I will be greatful if my request be granted.
      Thanks

    37. Oswald Tettey says:

      Thanks for educating the whole public, May God richly bless you in all your doings
      I am a graduate how need a job or employment and sent number of letters round organizations but no call nor reply. i believed it might be my cover letter, please help educate me how to write impressing cover letter

    38. Eather says:

      pls i need a well composed cover letter and CV.i studied HIstory and International Relations.will be vry greatful if my request is granted and quickly too.thanks

    39. jenny says:

      I need job pls am really desperate. B sc. Mass communication

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    42. Osemwegie says:

      Thanks for informing us. Please i need a copy of a very good cover letter and CV, i studied Environmental Science. Thanks once again. Oseprof@yahoo.com

    43. Ahuruezema Bertrand Chinedu says:

      Ur doing a vry nice job. Pls can u send a covaleta I studied Physics/Electronics nd I dnt no hw 2 do abt it.

    44. Ahuruezema Bertrand Chinedu says:

      Your doing a very nice job. Please can you send me a copy of a very good cover letter I studied Physics/Electronics my email cacguy4u2@yahoo.com

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