The cover letter is
your opportunity to introduce yourself to prospective employers. It is the first step in
presenting yourself and showing what you can offer the company. Remember that you are not
trying to sound perfect, just perfect for the job.
The following points should be remembered when composing your cover letter:
- Always identify the position that you are applying for.
Tailor your letter to the position and the industry for which you are applying. Also,
mention that you received your referral information from the Student Employment Services
office at Glendale Community College.
- Emphasize how you could benefit the organization. Tell
them what you have to offer.
- Build on your Resume by being more specific about your
skills, experience and by outlining your job goals.
- Accentuate the positive aspects of your background and
how it relates to the position. If your GPA is 3.0 or higher you should definitely mention
it.
- If possible, demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
Do some research about the industry and try to gain insight of typically desirable
qualities for this type of job. You may find valuable information about general
employment characteristics in the Career Center.
- Ask for an interview and indicate the best time and place
that you can be reached.
- Always try to get the name of the hiring manager so that
you can address your letter personally. You may ask the Student Employment Services staff
for assistance obtaining contact information.
- Use excellent communication, grammar, and writing skills
when composing your cover letter. If you need help with your writing skills, you may go to
the Writing Center (AD 232) .
- Absolutely no typos. Use spell
and grammar check and have someone else proofread your letter.
- Your letter should be one page long with no more than
four paragraphs. Be concise and to the point without any flowery language.
- Use a professional salutation and closing. Avoid using
words like "affectionately," and "cordially." Instead use
"sincerely" or "regards."
- Use a business type font. Arial or Times New Roman are
good examples. Font size should be 12.
- Remember to sign your letter! Include your return
address.
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