Houghton College
Career Services
COVER LETTER GUIDELINES
Your present address
City, State, Zip
Date
Name of person to whom you are writing
Title
Name of organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Dear Mr. ____________:
In the first paragraph, tell why you are writing, naming the position, field, or general vocational area you are asking about. Inform them of how you learned of the opening or the organization.
In the second (and sometimes the third) paragraph, mention the qualifications you think are most appropriate to the position or the organization and how you qualify. (Establish a common bond between you and the employer. Stress accomplishments.) Briefly discuss your education (college, major, degree), any related experiences or special training through internships, other work experiences, or special projects. (Let your personality show. Don’t brag, lie, or exaggerate your credentials.) You may also want to mention skills or personal qualities you might bring to the position or organization. Refer to your enclosed resume.
In the third paragraph, make a specific request for an interview. If you plan to be in the immediate area at a certain time, make that known. (See examples) Offer to provide any additional information, and be sure to thank the reader for his/her time and consideration of you.
Sincerely,
(Handwritten signature)
Type your name
Enclosure
Cover Letter Guidelines
1. Type each letter individually and address it to a specific person; never send a hand-written letter. If you are unsure of the person’s name, call the organization and ask for it. If you cannot obtain the name, address the letter to the job title or the organization. When in doubt, use Ms. when greeting a woman.
2. Your letter should be written in appropriate business format. See reverse side for appropriate layout. Match your cover letter paper, font, and type size to what you did with your resume. Use a matching envelope or a large mailing envelope.
3. Make your letter interesting; let your personality show through. Don’t brag, lie or exaggerate your credentials.
4. Try to establish a common bond between you and the employer. Propose how you might fill the employer'’ needs by demonstrating how your education, skills, and personal qualities are suitable for what the position requires. Stress accomplishments.
5. Demonstrate that you know something about the organization, e.g. its purpose, needs growth, goals, problems, etc. Avoid flowery phrases and forms of insincere flattery.
6 .Ask for an interview.
7. Keep your letter one page in length.
8. Remember to sign your name, preferably in black ink.
9. Proofread your letter. Typos, grammatical errors, and letters that look as thought they have been massed produced are not acceptable
For cover letter critiques, contact Career Services.
Cover Letter Guidelines - Sample Letter 1
CPO #
Houghton College
Houghton, NY 14744
Date
Ms. __________
Director, Crisis Center for Women
Somewhere, NY 00000
Dear Ms. ___________:
Having learned of your organization from the article “Crisis Center Extends Services” featured in the Herald Press on Sunday, November 3. I am writing to inquire as to the possibility of obtaining a summer position as an Aide or Volunteer.
I am presently in my junior year at Houghton College, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. This year I am working as a Resident Assistant, supervising a floor of 30 first-year women students. In this position, I plan for social and educational programs, provide peer counseling, and confront women who are violating college and residence hall policies. In addition, I serve on the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee and am a judicial board member. For each of these responsibilities I have received training in peer counseling and crisis management. These leadership experiences, along with my academic courses in Psychology and Spanish are equipping me to work with and meet the needs of people from diverse family, social, economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
May I have the opportunity to interview with you? I will be in the area over the Christmas holidays; perhaps we can arrange a meeting time then. I will call you to arrange for an appointment. If you have questions or need additional information about me, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for considering me for a position. I look forward to hearing form you.
Sincerely,
(signature)
Your Name (Typed)
Enclosure
Cover Letter Guidelines - Sample Letter 2
CPO #
Houghton College
Houghton, NY 14744
Date
Mr. ______________
Director of Personnel
Good Eatin’
Street Address
Great Place, NY 00000
Dear Mr. _________________:
Please accept this letter and enclosed resume as evidence of my interest in being considered for the position of Marketing Associate with Good Eatin’ as advertised in The Globe on November 3.
I will graduate in December 2XXX from Houghton College with a major in Business Administration. My education at Houghton has provided me with a good background in public relations and marketing. Significant to my course of study was a successful market research analysis I did for a local restaurant owner and a semester long internship I completed with a food service group in the Buffalo area. I have been a disciplined student and have attained a commendable GPA of 3.2/4.0. Additionally, leadership positions have given me opportunities to take initiative, to work independently with little supervision, and to also direct the work of others. I have detailed the responsibilities of these leadership and internship experiences in the enclosed resume.
I would like the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. Please contact me if I can provide additional information or to arrange an interview. I look forward to meeting with you. Thank you for considering me for this position.
Sincerely,
(signature)
Your Name (typed)
Enclosure