Cover Letters
Always send your résumé with a cover letter. Using a cover letter provides an opportunity to highlight your strengths and supply information not on your résumé. You can draw attention to those assests that make you right for the job. A cover letter also allows you to express your interest in their organization, church, or company; to show that you know something about them; and to explain why you would like to work for them.
Content/Format
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip
Date
Name of Addressee, Title
Or Title Here
Company
Address
City, State Zip
Dear Ms. Doe:
Paragraph 1: State the position that you are applying for and where or how you found out about the job.
Paragraphs 2+: This is your opportunity to provide information that doesn't appear on your resume, such as: personal qualities you have that you know they are looking for; and why you want to work for them. This is where you demonstrate that you know something about the organization. (This will set you apart from the many other candidates.) Here you can also highlight what is important, but may get lost or overlooked on your resume.
The purpose is to arouse their interest so that they will take a closer look at your resume. Between the cover letter and resume you want to make them curious enough to want to interview you and assured enough that you are worth the time.
Last Paragraph: State your intention for future contact: whether you will wait for them to contact you or when you will contact them. Also provide your contact phone number and/or email address here.
Closing,
Signature
Typed Name
Samples
More Resources
PSU's Career Center has a well-written cover letter description and samples.
Jobweb.com provides two samples, one formal and one informal.
