Creating a

COVER LETTER Cover Letter Writing Types & Examples

Student Employment Services Appleton Campus – Room E135 (920) 735-JOBS (5627) (920) 231-JOBS (5267) www.fvtc.edu/ses [email protected]

Cover Letter Writing A cover letter is a critical part of your resume packet. An effectively written letter can mean the difference between obtaining an interview or not. The Purposes of a Cover Letter The cover letter’s purposes are to:  introduce you to an employer for the purpose of employment;  match your professional qualifications, skills, and accomplishments to the position’s requirements;  allow you to market yourself by positively presenting information about you;  demonstrate your written communication skills; and  show your professional personality. The Two Forms of a Cover Letter Generally, there are two forms. 1. An application cover letter – This is a direct response to a current position opening in which you address specifics about the job and list your qualifications and accomplishments related to that position. 2. An inquiry cover letter – This is a direct response to your interest in the company and possible current or future openings in which you list your qualifications and accomplishments. Cover Letter Content Format The content format includes seven parts. Refer to the cover letter sample to more clearly view these parts. 1. Heading – The preferred heading option is to copy and paste your resume heading onto your cover letter to create a “matched set” appearance. Another type of heading includes your 2-line address followed by the date. The date should be the same date as the date you plan to mail your resume and cover letter. 2. Inside Address – This includes the name of the person to whom your cover letter is being sent, his or her position, company name, and address. The position ad may give you this information, but it may not. Take the initiative by calling the company to confirm the name, spelling, and position title. 3. Salutation – This is brief and formal, preferably Dear Ms.___: or Dear Mr. ___: Use the last name only. Current business writing etiquette suggests NOT using Mrs. or Miss. A comma after the salutation is also acceptable. If you are unable to obtain a name, write Dear Human Resource Director. Do NOT use the impersonal To Whom It May Concern. 4. Body Paragraphs – These paragraphs comprise the major content of your cover letter. There are usually four paragraphs as specifically described here.

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 1st Paragraph − Identify the position you are applying for and how you found out about it. If you are writing an inquiry cover letter, identify your employment goal and refer to some complimentary research information about the company as a rationale for your letter. − Use language that results in favorable attention. − Do NOT mention personal problems or why you are leaving your current job. − Provide a transition into your next paragraph.  2nd Paragraph − Convince the employer that you fit the job and the company. − Specify the job requirements and how you’re qualified for each. − Refer to your resume and emphasize your experience and most significant qualifications and accomplishments. − Sell yourself using positive, flag-waving language without overdoing it. − Include your specific self-management and transferable skills that would apply to the job. − Consider using bullets to make a list readable and noticeable. − Do NOT be generic. Your cover letter should specifically reflect you.  3rd Paragraph − Ask for an interview, either for the specific position or for an informational interview. − Use polite language and continue to be positive about yourself. − Refer to a positive future by saying that you look forward to hearing from that person soon or to discussing possible future opportunities with him or her. − Consider being assertive by saying that you will contact the company within a week to inquire about the status of available position, the company’s needs, the interview schedule, or whatever is appropriate for your purpose.  4th Paragraph − Say thank you for considering your resume. 5. Closing – Use Sincerely, or Sincerely yours, and type it three lines below the last paragraph. 6. Signature – Type your name five lines below the closing, making certain that you use the complete name that you used in your resume heading. Don’t forget to sign your letter. 7. Enclosure(s) –This refers to your resume and other possible documents you include in your resume packet. Type the word below your typed signature.

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Application Cover Letter Example

Elena Gonzalez

1234 First Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911 (920)555-5555 [email protected]

January 18, 2012

Ms. Karen Smith Human Resource Manager Humana 1100 Employers Road Green Bay, WI 54344

Dear Ms. Smith: I am writing to introduce myself as an enthusiastic candidate for the position of Claims Cost Management Specialist advertised on the Humana job web site. The enclosed resume illustrates how my qualifications are an excellent match for the position’s requirements.

Position Requirements

My qualifications

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Associate Degree in related area

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Both Associate Degree in Accounting and Medical Business Specialist Certification with continued training in medical insurance.

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Customer service skills

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2 years of customer service experience in medical office patiently servicing adults of all backgrounds; 2 additional years serving customers within retail and food industries.

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Working knowledge of various insurance plans and accounting

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Verified, reviewed, and billed insurance claims for 4 physicians; Assisted in accounts payable and receivable for retail business; practiced all areas of accounting in coursework for Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting.

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Analyzing and problemsolving

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Analyzed hundreds of claims, payments, and reviews; Resolved patient tracking information problems by creating new spreadsheet; Developed new take-out procedures for restaurant.

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Communication skills

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Developed excellent phone, verbal and listening skills with customers; maintained good rapport with patients, physicians, supervisors, and staff. Produced quality original written documents using good computer skills.

I would like to bring my solid qualifications and initiative to Humana and assist the company in meeting current and future goals. A personal interview would be appreciated. I will contact you after the posted application deadline to discuss that possibility. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to our discussion.

Sincerely,

Elena Gonzalez Enclosure

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Inquiry Cover Letter Example

Sara K. Smith 123 Pleasant Drive Appleton, WI 54915

920-555-5555 Home 920-999-9999 Cell

April 16, 2012 Ms. Melissa Burton Human Resource Manager Mercy Medical Health Clinic 500 S. Oak Road Oshkosh, WI 54904 Dear Ms. Burton: In May 2010, I will graduate from Fox Valley Technical College with a Technical Diploma in Practical Nursing. I am excited to be seeking my personal and professional goal of a challenging career in nursing to serve the patients and physicians within an Oshkosh medical clinic. My research indicates this is an exciting time at your new and fast growing facility. I believe my training and experience would help meet your expanding needs. Allow me to highlight the excellent qualifications and contributions I can bring to your healthcare facility:  6 years CNA experience with proven success in elder and disabled client care in three previous health care positions resulting in four outstanding supervisory evaluations while completing intense workloads under pressure.  Trusted as acting CNA manager at a community based residential facility for the past 2 years  Completion of two 9-week practical nursing clinical rotations with clinic and hospital settings  Excellent patient relations, time-management, interpersonal and communication skills, developed through work experiences and rigorous clinical studies, resulting in high evaluations.  Ability to perform both independently and as part of a team, being personable yet focused in an effort to contribute toward cooperative working relationships among management, physicians, and support staff. I would welcome a personal interview to further explore the merging of my education, experience, and ambition with your program goals. I will contact you within the next week to discuss any needs you may have in the future. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Sara K. Smith

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