See the links above
or below to navigate

 

Open 9-5 M-F
during semester,
9-4 during breaks.
Advisors on duty
noon to 2, or
by appointment

Questions?
Ask the counselor

Career Services
The College at Brockport
350 New Campus Drive
Brockport, NY 14420-2974
(585) 395 2159
fax: (585) 395 2708
101 Rakov Center

Web site:
rkincaid@brockport.edu

Division of Enrollment
Management & Student Affairs


Question about Career Services? Ask Ellsworth!

NEWS EVENTS


USE LINKS BELOW FOR ON-LINE SERVICES

Career Events
job fairs, recruiters, workshops

JobShop
campus jobs, internships, jobs for grads

Discover
career guidance & research

OptimalResume
cover letters & resumes

Career Connection
career advice from alumni in your field

Facebook
visit our page

Career Blogs
read student blogs

Career Articles
see career articles


FEEDBACK

Comment on this page

 

 

Six Tips to Creating a High Flying Cover Letter

Visit OptimalResume- our on-line tool to develop a resume and cover letter.

A cover letter is used to introduce the résumé. It is your chance to tell the employer why you would be a good fit with their company. Here are six tips to get started:

Make it personal. Find the name of someone to send it to within the company. Use the Internet and don't forget to try to call. It is worth the extra effort. If you have to use something generic, try Dear Human Resource Professional or Sales Manager.

Be concise; limit your cover letter to one page. You can go into further detail in the interview.

Do NOT mass-produce your letters. It is easily recognizable. Though you will have a basic format, each cover letter should be written specifically for the position/company you are applying to and address specific skills you have that match the qualifications they seek.

Show, don't tell. Don't just say you have certain skills; include specific examples. This may mean speaking of one or two accomplishments.

PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!

Components of a Cover Letter

Your Street Address
City, State ZIP
Date

 

Name of Contact Person
Title
Company Street Address
City, State ZIP Dear

 

Mr./Ms. Last Name:

The opening paragraph should arouse the interest of the employer. State why you are writing and give information to show your interest in this specific organization. If it is a letter of application, name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it.

 

The middle paragraph should create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Point out your achievements or qualifications in this field, especially those that meet the job description or requirements. Refer the reader to your general qualifications on your enclosed résumé. Highlight important points from your résumé. Also highlight points that will be of particular interest to this specific organization.

 

The closing paragraph should pave the way for the interview by asking for an appointment, by offering to call the employer in the near future or by making some similar suggestions to facilitate an immediate favorable reply.

 

Sincerely,
(sign here)
Your Name

 

Enclosure (You are noting that you have enclosed your résumé.)

 
Sample Letter of Inquiry, Letter of Application, Thank You Letter