Introduction

A cover letter accompanies a job application and helps those who receive your application to quickly decide if they want to look at the rest of the items you may have submitted with your application, such as a resume. Some jobs receive hundreds of applications, so a cover letter must be able to help your application stand out. Hiring managers may only have a few seconds to read the letter. Keep it clear and concise.

Components of a Cover Letter

Contact Information
There are different ways to format a cover letter, including where to place contact information. Make sure that your contact information is clearly positioned. Include the following:

• Name
• Phone number
• email address

Salutation
Be sure to address the "Hiring Manager," or a specific person.

Who You Are
Briefly explain who you are and which job you are interested in.

Why You
In some detail (keep this short), list your major qualifications that specifically match the job description from the posting. Use key words and phrases from the posting in your letter. Use High-Impact statements whenever possible. Conclude the letter by giving two reasons why the hiring manager should consider you for the job. Be confident! Where possible, include your signature.

Spelling and Grammar

Even minor spelling and grammar errors can convince a busy hiring manager that you are not a good candidate for the job. Do everything you can to make sure your writing is correct and free from these errors.

Sample Cover Letter

Juana D'Angelo
555 Anywhere Street
Big City, Province 5-54294

Hugo Rodriguez, Sales Manager
AAA Window Cleaning
1234 Main Street
Big City, Province, 4-54294

Dear Mr. Rodriguez,

My name is Juana D'Angelo, and I have applied for the position of sales associate with your company. I love helping people find the kind of quality services that your company provides.

I have worked in sales for the past five years. My major qualifications include:

• Secured 35 new sales contracts per month over the last year.
• Trained four new hires, helping them achieve their sales goals at an 85% rate.
• Rewrote the 55 page sales manual, streamlining and updating it
• Awarded Salesperson of the Quarter a record nine times in four years

As an accomplished sales professional with a love for training and helping others, I am great candidate for this job. I look forward to hearing from you!

Juana D'Angelo