Before someone can hire you, they need to know
WHO YOU ARE!
INTRODUCE YOURSELF with a COVER LETTER!

• HEADING:
  Company Name
  First & Last Name
  Position Title
  Address
  City, State, Zip Code
  
  
• PARAGRAPH #1:
  1. Introduction:
     Who you are (Name)
     What you currently do (Student @ High School, work for XYZ Burgers, etc.)
     
     
  2. Job:
     How you found out about the job
     Did someone refer you? Do you know someone that works there? Are you a customer who shops there? Did you find it on the internet, newspaper, career center?
     What the Job Title is
     What are you applying for?
     
     
• PARAGRAPH #2:
  Sell Yourself! Why should they hire you?
  1. Skills:
     What skills are needed for this job? Highlight these.
     What are you good at? (Usually also what you like to do)
     Examples of Skills: Computers, Bilingual, Organization, Filing, Typing, Working with Kids, etc.
     
     
  2. Experience:
     Where have you volunteered?
     Have you been in Sports? Clubs? On a team?
     Have you taken any classes that relate?
     Have you ever babysat? Mowed lawns? Fed a neighbors cat? All of these are job experiences.
     
     
• PARAGRAPH #3:
  1. Thank you
     Thank them for reading your cover letter, considering you for the position, taking their time, etc.
     
     
  2. Remind them
     Remind them that you are interested in the position or working with their company
     
     
  3. Action
     Let them know that you will contact them ________ (when- be specific) to follow-up, discuss a potential interview, answer any questions they may have about your resume, etc.
     
     
  4. Contact Info
     Leave them your telephone number and tell them they can call you with questions, etc. Also state the best time to reach you.
     
     
• SIGNATURE:
  
  1. Write "Sincerely," "Thank you," or some other closing
     
     
  2. Press "Enter" or "Return" on your keyboard 4 times (to insert 3 blank lines)
     
     
  3. Then type your first and last name (after the 3 blank lines)
     Print your letter- Proof it, etc.
     
     
  4. Sign your letter on the 3 blank lines (after your closing, before your typed name)
     *Your signature should be your full first and last name
     
     
• EDITING:
  It is VERY IMPORTANT that you:
  
  1. Spell-check your paper on the computer
     
     
  2. Proofread it yourself before printing
     
     
  3. Proofread it yourself after it has printed
     
     
  4. Have 2 other people proofread your cover letter (a teacher, a parent, etc.!)

View a sample Cover Letter