2. What is a Cover Letter ?
A supplement to the resume that includes more
detailed information about yourself
It highlights key points in your resume
Expresses your interest in a position
Shows off your qualifications to a prospective
employer
3. Pre-Cover Letter Business
If you have a company or employer in mind,
do some research regarding their policies and
Principles
Review websites, brochures, pamphlets and any
other pertinent materials you can find about the
company
4. Continued
Once you’ve done your research and you have a
good idea of what qualifications the company is
looking for, it’s time to separate yourself from the
rest of the pack
Before you begin writing your letter, take some
time to brainstorm. Make a list of reasons why
you’re the ideal candidate
6. A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Avoid writing more than one page; since you
are probably competing with other applicants,
employers just don’t have the time to read two
pages
The point of the cover letter is to flesh out your
resume’s selling points not to repeat the same
things that appear in your resume
7. Beginning The Letter
Employee Detail:
Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zip code
Phone number
Employer Detail:
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip code
8. Salutation
If you are addressing the letter to a specific person,
start out with the formal salutation: Dear Mr. Hassan.
If you don’t know the name use: Dear Hiring Manager
Refrain from using the old standby’s: To whom it
may concern or Dear Sir or Madam
9. Sample of Beginning
• Employee Detail:
Saad Saeed
Hafizabad Road
Gujranwala, Pakistan, 52250
(+92)123456789
• Employer Detail:
Mr.Hassan
Human Resource Manager
Standard Charter Bank
G.T Road
Gujranwala, Pakistan, 52250
10. Opening Paragraph
The opening paragraph should accomplish a couple
of goals:
It should grab the reader’s attention
Discuss the position you are applying for
List your references or how you heard about the job
Highlight the main points you will focus on in the
letter
11. Sample of Opening Paragraph
I am responding to your ad in Business Week
for a position as an Accounting Consultant. My
experience and education make me an excellent
candidate for this position.
12. Body Paragraph
The body paragraph should accomplish a couple of
goals:
Refer employer to certain points in your resume
Emphasize your strongest qualifications and skills
Show how these qualifications will benefit the
company you’re applying for
You may provide examples of your achievements
that have benefited previous companies
13. Sample of Body Paragraph
My career has been built in non-profit
management, commercial banking, public finance,
accounting, management, and human resources.
My success has come from identifying, leveraging,
and combining my skills and knowledge with my
passion to achieve. I have consistently met, even
exceeded, the expectations of my employers.
14. Closing Paragraph
Your closing paragraph should accomplish a couple
of goals:
Ask for an interview
Set up a possible time and date
Be genuine and thank them for their time
Appropriate closing line, such as:
Sincerely, or
Yours truly
Typed name
15. Sample of Closing paragraph
I would like to discuss this position with you in person.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you
have. You may reach me at (+92)123456789. I will follow
up with you next week to check on the status of my
application. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Saad Saeed
16. Double and Triple Check Before Sending
Check for spelling errors and your contact
information
Don’t go over a page
Always customize your cover letter.
Maintain a friendly and professional tone
throughout the letter