Writing a Cover Letter

It is usually a good idea to send a cover letter along with your resume when applying for jobs.   The cover letter should be specific to the classified job and not a "general" cover letter that you would use for every job application.  Saving your cover letters and resume to a computer disk will make this process much easier.  Following is a "template" with instructions on how to compose your cover letters.  Remember that you can e-mail your letters to the Career Counselor for "review" and grammar checks.  

At the East Liverpool Campus, e-mail Deborah Woods at dwoods1@kent.edu 

At the Salem Campus, e-mail Danielle Baker-Rose at dbaker13@kent.edu

Cover Letter Guide

Your address here

Your City, State, and Zip Code

Today's Date

Name of person to whom you are addressing the letter

Title or Company Name

Employer address

Employer City, State, Zip Code

Dear___________________,

In this first paragraph of the cover letter, introduce yourself, state that you are applying for the position of _______________________________, and tell where you saw the advertisement, or who told you about the job

In the second paragraph, list specific skills that qualify you for the job or position for which you are applying.  If you have a job description or a detailed ad, try to use the same words or phrases as the advertisement.  The goal is to look like "the perfect match" for the position.  You can mention your education in this paragraph or in the first introductory paragraph, wherever it best fits.  Give aspects of your background if you think it would interest the employer.  Explain why you are interested in the position and why it is attractive to you.

In the last paragraph, "wrap up" your letter by stating that you are enclosing a resume and /or other materials.  (The advertisement may require you to write a philosophy statement or send reference letters.)  Be sure to give a telephone number where you can be reached at all times.  End on a positive note, restate your interest in the position, and say something to show that you have some knowledge of the company and would be honored to work there.   You may ask for an appointment, or suggest that you will call the employer soon.

Sincerely,

Be sure to leave at least 4 spaces and sign your name.

Type your name under your signature

Enclosure(s)