This is the header of your cover letter and should show the employer how to reach you. It should include:

Name
Full address
Phone number
Fax number (optional)
E-mail address (optional)

Address It Right!

The address should include:

• Name and title of the person reviewing your application - spelled correctly.
• Full address of the organization.

Employers are always impressed when a cover letter is addressed to them specifically. You may have to call the organization to find out who will be reviewing your application.

To do this, you don't have to talk directly to the hiring manager. Just tell the receptionist that you require the hiring manager's full name and title as you wish to address the letter correctly.

Example (fictitious)

Gerald Linklater, Office Manager
GenTech Ltd.
234 Parsons Road
Halifax, NS B6J 9L9

This paragraph should indicate:

• The position you're applying for
• How you found out about the opening. If your information is from someone the hiring manager knows--for example, a person inside the company--make sure you say so
• A brief statement about why you would fit the position.

Examples

In response to a classified ad:

I am pleased to respond to your advertisement for a receptionist as advertised in the Chronicle Herald on May 7, 1996. My qualifications very closely meet the needs outlined in the advertisement.

Through information about a job in the "hidden job market":

At the suggestion of Mary Steiner, your personnel officer, I am sending you an application for the position of receptionist. Ms. Steiner felt that I would be highly qualified for the position.

The expansion your company just announced means that you will need qualified carpenters to complete the job.

This paragraph should:

• Show that you've researched the organization, and understand its needs.
• Demonstrate why you want to work for the organization.

Example

I have read about GenTech in our local newspapers and am familiar with your chemical-cleaning products and the environmental services you offer to manufacturers. I would be very interested in working for a company that is helping the environment and also has an excellent reputation as an employer in our community.

Show the employer why you're a good match for the job and the organization. This paragraph should include:

• One or two of your most relevant qualifications/skills, and how they can be of value to the employer
• One or two accomplishments that demonstrate your experience
• Be as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume nal details.
• Use action words
• Creating Value Statements
• Employability Skills Checklist

Example

As you will see in the attached resume, I have worked as a receptionist at RB Enterprises for five years where I handled incoming calls, mail and courier services. During that time, I also assisted with the selection of the Signex 320 telephone system and trained others in its use.

Show the employer that you have other skills or abilities appropriate for the job. This paragraph may not be necessary if the 3rd paragraph is sufficient.

Example

I am familiar with Windows-based systems and am proficient with Office 2000 and WordPerfect 8. I am also familiar with spreadsheet programs such as Excel.

This paragraph should include:

• A request for an interview
• Indication that you will follow up with a phone call. It is recommended to follow-up within 2 weeks.

Example

I would be pleased to review my qualifications in more detail during an interview with you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me.

This paragraph should include:

• A request for an interview
• Indication that you will follow up with a phone call. It is recommended to follow-up within 2 weeks.

Example

I would be pleased to review my qualifications in more detail during an interview with you. If I haven't heard from you by (date), I will call you to follow up. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me.

September 22, 2000

Gerald Linklater, Office Manager
GenTech Ltd.
234 Parsons Road
Halifax, NS B6J 9L9

Dear Mr. Linklater:

I am pleased to respond to your advertisement for a receptionist as advertised in the Chronicle Herald on (date). My qualifications very closely meet the needs outlined in the advertisement.

I have read about GenTech in our local newspapers and am familiar with your chemical-cleaning products and the environmental services you offer to manufacturers. I would be very interested in working for a company that is helping the environment and also has an excellent reputation as an employer in our community.

As you will see in the attached resume, I have worked as a receptionist at RB Enterprises for five years where I handled incoming calls, mail and courier services. During that time, I also assisted with the selection of the Signex 320 telephone system and trained others in its use.

I am familiar with Windows-based systems and am proficient with Office 2000 and WordPerfect 8. I am also familiar with spreadsheet programs such as Excel.

I would be pleased to review my qualifications in more detail during an interview with you. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call me.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours truly,

(Signature)
Your Name
Address
Phone number
Fax number (optional)
E-mail address (optional)