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Address your cover letter to a particular person, not a general audience.business hands image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com
Research the employer. This step is paramount to the success of your cover letter. Before you type your first word, look up the mailing address, email address and phone number of the company. Call and find out the name of your potential boss or interviewer. Sometimes your first interview will be with the head of human resources. If that's the case, then address your letter to that person. Understand what the company does and try to determine what the company culture is like. Convey that you know what they need and that you are the person who can deliver it. - 2). Format the letter in a simple block configuration, with each paragraph left aligned, as the Virginia Tech website suggests. If possible, use personalized letterhead. You may create your own letterhead in a writing software program or print on letterhead paper that has been created previously.
- 3). Type the employer's mailing address and date at the top of the letter. The opening salutation should be clear and simple, such as "Dear Mr. or Ms.," followed by the name of the person most likely to interview you.
- 4). Introduce yourself to the employer in the first paragraph. Explain how you heard about the job and what position you qualify for. For example, "I am interested in being a sales representative for (name of company). I have several years of experience in sales and would like to learn more about your organization."
- 5). Write about your skills or talents in the next paragraph. Emphasis should be given to items not listed on your resume. For example, "After three years of teaching English in a foreign country, I'm well prepared to deal with sudden changes. I know how to work with children from ages six to 17. I worked closely with my co-workers to ensure that students learned as much as they were capable."
- 6). The final paragraph should finish the letter succinctly, such as "Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon." You may remind the interviewer of your contact information here. For example, an additional sentence like, "You may reach me at 555-555-5555 at any time," will give the employer a convenient way to contact you. A simple "Sincerely" is an appropriate close before your signature.
- 7). Review your letter carefully. Read it as though you are the employer. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors, such as "their" instead of "there." Ask a friend or family member to proofread you letter and suggest appropriate changes.
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