Job Outlook - Cover Letter

• The Referred Cover Letter
  Referred cover letters are written when the writer has been referred to the organization by another person. If you are referred to apply for a position, include at the beginning of your letter the name of the person who referred you. This will capture the reader's attention.
  
  Some cover letters are self-referred. This means that you have spoken with the employer before sending the letter. If this is the case, remind the reader in your letter about your previous conversation.

• The Invited Cover Letter
  Invited cover letters are written in response to an ad in a newspaper, trade magazine, or other publication. The reader is looking for applications and is ready to pay attention to them.
  
  When responding to an ad you have the opportunity to address specific job requirements listed in that ad. Most ads provide the name of the organization searching for employees. You can use such information to learn more about the organization and then demonstrate this knowledge in your cover letter.
  
  Blind ads (i.e. ads that do not identify the advertising organization) are limited in the organizational data they provide. However, when the organization is identified, you can demonstrate your resourcefulness by learning as much additional information as you can.

• The Cold Contact Cover Letter
  Cold contact (i.e. uninvited) cover letters are used to apply to the "hidden job market," a term which defines jobs that are open, but not advertised. The hidden job market accounts for up to 80% of the total job market at any given time. The cold contact cover letter has proven useful in finding unlisted jobs. Your cover letter may either identify an open position or be remembered when a position opens. Cold contact letters have been known to create openings by convincing an employer that they need someone with your talents.
  
  The disadvantage of using the cold contact cover letter is that the success rate for securing interviews is quite low. The letter is uninvited and therefore may not get the reader's attention. The best way to introduce a cold contact cover letter, whenever possible, is to mention the name of a person who may have referred you.

• Address
  Include your current address and telephone number. If you are not available to answer the phone, an answering machine should be available to the caller. Friends or family members who may answer the telephone should be made aware of your job search, prepared to respond courteously and asked to keep a written record of all necessary information.

• Date
  The date that shows on your letter should be the date your finished copy is prepared.

• Name of Contact
  Address each letter specifically. Take the initiative to identify the appropriate person. A receptionist at your target organization would be a good resource for you to use in obtaining this information. Make sure you have the correct spelling of the individual's name.

• Title
  The title of the addressee (i.e. Superintendent of Schools, Senior Vice President, etc.) should be accurately spelled and unabbreviated.

• Organization and Address
  This information is also to be included. Accuracy and correct spelling are important.

• Salutation
  Again, use the proper title (i.e. Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., Rev., etc.) and the specific name of the addressee. If it is impossible for you to identify this information make sure to use gender-neutral or status neutral language. Avoid phrases such as, "Dear Gentlemen:".

• The Body Should:
  • state your reason for writing
  • explain how you heard of the organization or job opening
  • demonstrate your knowledge about the company
  • identify the specific job or position sought
  • name the person who referred you, if applicable
  • demonstrate how your qualifications match those needed for the job
  • state why you are interested in the position
  • refer to your enclosed resume
  • a brief response to any additional information in the job ad
  • express thanks to the reader for his/her time and consideration
  • express a desire for further interaction but state that you will contact them

• Closing and Signature
  Remember to type and sign your name under an appropriate closing such as, "Sincerely,".