Cover Letters

Three paragraphs of one-page cover letter.

1. Opening. In business-like manner
   • Refer to job listing: "I am writing to apply for the technician position advertised in Jobtrack.
   • Name mutual acquaintance: Professor Jane Smith, chair of the physics department, told me your firm is looking for a physics major who is interested in wireless communication."
   • Refer to news item: "The March 26 Business First featured your plans to open a laboratory in Columbus."
   • Summarize your outstanding qualification: "A part-time job with Bob Dixon, director of the Advanced Technology Group at OSU, has given me some experience in installing and operating a wireless network on the campus. I would like to use this practical experience by joining your planned laboratory."
   • Pose a question: "Would you need someone with wireless network experience this summer for your laboratory? If so, please consider me as a trainee for positions becoming available as the laboratory staff grows."
2. Middle. Having caught the reader's attention, present your basic qualifications for the job. Select/emphasize key points in your education, work experience and personal qualities. Use this chance to differentiate yourself. For example,
   • Feature your broad educational background or depth in a particular major.
   • Highlight how education has prepared you for the sought job.
   • Explain how electives, such as in electrical engineering or computer science, reinforce/diversify your qualifications.
   • Illustrate how you have supplemented academic training with internship or part-time work experience.
   • Provide examples that you can handle responsibility and manage your time well.
   • Describe desirable personal qualities, such as responsibility, organizational skills.
3. Closing. Last paragraph calls for action (without begging or demanding). Ask for an interview and indicate you will follow-up. Make this easy by providing a phone number and hours available; if you offer an answering machine, make sure your recorded message is business-like.

Important Points for the Cover Letter

• Use regular business format; watch grammar and spelling.
• Be brief; keep to one page.
• Don't overuse "I."
• Provide evidence you are a good match for available position.
• Close letter with the action you will take: e.g., specific date you will call to inquire about possibility of an interview.