6.2.10. Cover Letters

Cover letters are sent along with resumes, with an immediate pur­pose of gaining an attentive audience. They are a sort of application letters (J.S.VanAlstyne 2001).

A cover letter reflects your personality, your communication skills, your enthusiasm, your intellect, and your specific interest in the univer­sity/company to which you are sending the letter. Therefore, cover letters should be tailored specifically. You should conduct enough research to know the interests, needs, values, and goals of each company, and your let­ters should reflect that knowledge. A cover letter should be addressed to the specific company/institute, and the specific individual who will process your application. The letter should name the position for which you are ap­plying and also make specific references to the company. Indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company is currently doing, and your qualification for the position. In your cover letter provide the answers to these questions:

- why you want to work for that specific company;

- why you believe you would fit with that company;

- how you qualify for the position to which you are applying.

In addition to tailoring your application to a specific job with a specific company, the cover letter should also:

- highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills, and experience listed in your resume;

- point to the resume in some way ("as detailed in the enclosed re­sume");

- request specific follow up, such as an interview.

A cover letter should be in paragraph form (save bulleted lists for your resume), with a conversational, though formal, tone.

The first paragraph should be brief, perhaps two or three sentences, stating:

- what job you are applying for and how you learned about it;

- any personal contacts you have in or with the company;

- your general qualifications for the job.

The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer para­graphs in which you expand upon your qualifications for the position. Chose the most relevant qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in detail, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Be as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.

The concluding paragraph of your letter should request an interview (or some other response, as appropriate). State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and considera­tion.

Sample cover letter

THE ADDRESS OF THE RECIPIENT YOUR ADDRESS

DATE

Dear Mr _______ / To Whomever It May Concern,

Hereby, I would like to apply for the position of a software engineer as ad­vertised in the daily newspaper___________, November 3rd, 200_. I was drawn to the ad by my strong interest in both software design and Database.

I have worked on developing VLSI circuits, and I also have substantial ex­perience in the design of interactive CAD software. Because of this experi­ence, I can make a direct and immediate contribution to your department.

I have enclosed a copy of my resume, which details my qualifications and suggests how I might be of service to Database. I am interested in a position that will allow me to combine the talents I have developed in both computer programming and electrical engineering.

Also, as you can see from the attached resume, I have extensive experience in many related fields, and I always enjoy new challenges.

I would like very much to meet with you to discuss your open positions for software engineers. If you wish to arrange an interview, please contact me at the above address.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

___________________