Send one! Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, you can still send a cover letter. But do not send a cover letter if the job listing explicitly says not to send one. Be sure to follow all directions on the job listing.

Customize each letter. It might seem tedious, but it is important to customize each letter to fit the specific job you are applying for. This will make your letter stand out.

Highlight relevant qualifications. In your cover letter, address one or two skills or qualifications you have that match the job description. Provide specific examples of times you demonstrated these qualifications.

Explain anything. You can use your cover letter to go into detail about something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a great place to talk about a career shift or to explain an extended gap in employment.

Read samples and templates. For help writing your cover letter, read samples as well as cover letter templates. Remember to tailor any example or template to fit your own experiences and the job for which you are applying.

Edit, edit, edit. Be sure to thoroughly proofread each cover letter before sending it, looking for grammar and spelling errors. Consider asking a friend or family member, or even a career counselor, to read over your cover letter.

1. Customize each cover letter with the potential employers address.
2. Personalize the greeting (Dear Ms. Smith.) Try to get the name of a person whenever possible. If an advertisement makes that impossible you can always call the place and ask who to address the cover letter to. If you can’t get a name use Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Sir/Madam.
3. Mention where you heard about the position from, such as the newspaper or an online job site. Since you know the specific job being offered from an Ad, the first paragraph of your cover letter is a great place to state your objective.
4. If you know someone in the company you are applying to, drop names in the first paragraph of the cover letter. Hiring managers take resumes more seriously when they know you are referred by one of their employees.
5. The second paragraph is the place to mention specific experience that is targeted to the job opening. This is your, “I’m super great because…” information. Here is where you summarize why you are absolutely perfect for the job.
6. The closing should be brief. Let the reader know what you want (an application, an interview, etc.)

• I am seeking employment with a company where I can use my talents and skills to grow and expand the company.
• I want to succeed in a stimulating and challenging environment, building the success of the company while I experience advancement opportunities.
• I want to excel in this field with hard work, perseverance and dedication.
• I want a highly rewarding career where I can use my skills and knowledge to help the company and my coworkers be successful.
• I am seeking a company where I can use my experience and education to help the company meet and surpass its goals.
• I want to be part of the success in an environment of growth and excellence.
• I am seeking a competitive and challenging environment where I can serve your organization and establish an enjoyable career for myself.

• Administrative Assistant - I am seeking a position in the travel industry focusing on sales, customer care and office management.
• Education - I am a dedicated person who wants to use her skills and education to help students achieve using both traditional and modern approaches.
• Education Administration - I want to obtain a position as a program director within an adult education setting.
• Engineering - I want to share my high level of skills on most machines and work on automobiles or electronics.
• Executive Management - I am seeking a senior position in the financial services industry focusing on operational management and process improvements.
• Financial - Secure a position with a leading organization that will lead to a long term career relationship.
• Manager - Seeking a position with a well-established company where I can maximize my program development and training skills.
• Marketing - I am looking for a position in marketing where I will use my skills and experience in SEO and social media to increase site traffic and propel your company’s growth.
• Mechanical Engineer - I want to use my many years of experience to carry out my tasks with efficiency, professionalism and cost effectiveness.
• Medicine - Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant using my skills in research and leadership.
• Receptionist - I am looking for a receptionist position where I will use my skills in data entry and switchboard as well as my experience with Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Retail Manager - I am looking for a management position with a growing company where I can apply my experience to increase the company’s reputation and profitability.
• Sales - I am seeking a position as sales associate with a fastgrowing company.
• Technical - I am looking for a position as a project manager for a software or internet company.
• University Professor - Seeking a position as a law professor with a focus on real estate and land use law.