How to Write a Cover Letter
The Cover Letter
Your Cover Letter is the introduction to your resume. It's a less formal way for you to highlight the most important parts of your resume that match the job announcement.
Your Cover Letter should get the attention of the reader, to make them want to continue reading on to your resume.
According to the SRJC Career Hub, research has indicated that cover letters are just as important as résumés when applicants are making initial contact.
The cover letter gives you an opportunity to express your personality, demonstrate your communications skills and organizational ability, and express enthusiasm for the company and the position.
The cover letter should be brief (generally kept to only one page), highlight your qualifications, and draw attention to specific points in your résumé. While résumés can only tell employers what you have done, cover letters allow for more elaboration and detail such as why you became involved in particular activities, what you gained from the experience, and why the employer should consider you for the position. A well-written cover letter commands the reader’s attention; it creates interest in you and your résumé.
It is best if you can find out who is responsible for hiring and direct the letter to that individual. Cover letters should always be tailored to each specific company and position for which you are applying. If it is not possible to know who to direct the letter to, address it to the Human Resource Specialist, Human Resource Manager or Recruiter.
The Organization of the Cover Letter
Resource: SRJC Career Hub
The Cover Letter is organized into 4 parts.
Part 1. Introduction – Take time to think of an interesting first sentence. Avoid over-used first sentences such as “This is in answer to your advertisement,” or “I am graduating from Santa Rosa Junior College.” Reference any personal contacts (after securing their permission) you have in the company. It is also valuable to state the reasons for your interest in that particular employer. At the end of the first paragraph, make a statement that says you are a strong candidate because of your qualifications. This will lead the reader to the second paragraph. The first paragraph is always short.
Part 2. Second paragraph – Draw attention to your résumé. Explain how your qualifications (your skills, education and experience) match the employer’s requirements. Be as specific as possible. Identify relevant qualifications and accomplishments that may uniquely qualify you for the position. Highlight and draw attention to points in your résumé, summarizing relevant information.
Part 3. Third paragraph – Request an interview. State where and when you can be reached. Indicate that you will call the employer if you do not hear from them.
Part 4. Fourth paragraph – Closing statement. Thank the reader for his or her time and consideration.
Cover Letter Example
Resource: Career Hub SRJC
Your Name
Address
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone #
Email Address
(Today's date goes here)
January 22, 2021
(Contact information for the person you are addressing the letter to goes here)
Jill Jackson
Marketing Manager
1000 Greenbury Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Dear Ms. Jackson,
After reading an article about California Poppy Winery in the North Bay Business Journal I became interested in possible employment with your company. I have always been impressed by your wine and wine labels and have some creative ideas that may benefit your marketing effort.
I graduated with my Associate in Arts degree in Graphic Design from Santa Rosa Junior College in May of 2020. As part of my training I completed two semesters of internships at several wineries.
My enclosed resume provides details on my internships and employment. During my internship at “Cake bread Cellars” I was fortunate to work with a leading graphic designer for the wine industry, Mr. Barry Walters, who provided me with many new learning opportunities. I assisted him with introducing a new product line that generated $10,000.00 in sales during the first month. In addition to my education and training in graphic design I have a background
in sales with a track record of consistently exceeding sales quotas.
I look forward to an opportunity to discuss potential employment with your company, and will call you next week to follow up. Should you wish to contact me, my phone is: (707) 867-5309, or my e-mail is myemail@gmail.com.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Enclosure: Resume and Portfolio