DH Templates

Do you have a successful cover letter template?

Cover letters make me crazy! My brain locks up when I write them. Is there a format you've found that has brought you success in the past?

Public Comments

1. As an employer who reads a lot of horrible cover letters, I agree that cover letters make me crazy. I don't have a template, but I'll tell you what I see all the time. Please do not make your cover letter sound like a form letter. It is so obvious when people have a one-size-fits-all cover letter that they just cut and paste the company's name. It is very aggravating, and especially bad when it's got the wrong company in there! Another aggravating example is when people say something like, I really want to work for a large multinational firm like yours (when we are a small business). Say something about what interests you about that job or that company, and then a few things about how your experience would fit there. Don't make it too long, and don't make it just a repeat of your resume.
2. A cover letter is intended to do three things: (1) state your interest in a specific job &/or employer, (2) Briefly summarize your relevant skills & experience and (3) request an interview. Here's one that's worked well for me in the past. Notice how the three paragraphs addresses those things in order. ----- September 6, 2007 Mr. John Doe ABC Corporation 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 99999 re: Job Posting #100 ("Retail Sales Associate") Dear Mr. Doe, I am submitting this letter of interest along with the attached resume in response to the Retail Sales Associate opening (posting #100) posted to Monster.com on 09/01/2007. I have two years of retail sales experience with Sears where I worked in the Hardware and Sporting Goods departments. I also worked for 9 months at Target in their customer service area. Additionally, I have an Associate's Degree from XYZ College in Marketing. I would like the opportunity to meet with you or a member of your team to learn more about this position and to better explain my qualifications. I will follow this letter with a phone call, but if you would like to contact me first, I can be reached at (555) 555-5555 or sue_smith@yahoo.com. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sue Smith