Sample Cover Letter Template

The night hours bring me all kinds of tasks.  Last night, it was helping a friend write a cover letter.

Cover letters are not a topic that I write about often.  In many ways, a cover letter is just a standard business letter.  But its specific purpose makes it a little more important than most letters you’ll write.

If you’re struggling with creating a good, basic cover letter, here’s the template that we developed via IM in the wee hours.  Any issues in quality must be due to lack of sleep.

August 11, 2009

COMPANY X
Address
City, State, ZIP

Re:  [JOB TITLE AS LISTED IN POSTING] Position

Dear [HIRING MANAGER'S NAME, RECRUITER'S NAME, whatever you can get.]:

I recently learned of your [JOB TITLE] position via [HOW YOU FOUND OUT, i.e. CareerBuilder, Bob Smith, Twitter], and am pleased to have the chance to introduce myself.  [Write something complimentary and that shows knowledge about the specific organization here, for instance:] I have long been aware of your company’s reputation for innovation and strong management, and would enjoy the opportunity to show how my qualifications can help [COMPANY NAME] meet its goals.

My background includes [#] years experience in [INDUSTRY], as well as [#] years in management.  Previous employers have recognized me for my strengths in [STRENGTHS THAT ARE BACKED UP BY YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS], and I believe that my background in this area will be of immediate benefit to your department.  Of note is the fact that [ACHIEVEMENT THAT IS PERTINENT TO THE JOB].  I’m certain I could deliver similar results for your company in this role.

I look forward to discussing my credentials with you in a personal interview.*  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Quincy P. Jobseeker

Did you see the asterisk there in the last paragraph?  If you have a name to address the letter to, this sentence should sound more like this: “I look forward to discussing my credentials with you and will follow up by phone on Friday.”  A specific commitment to follow-up warms them up to receive your call and may cause them to give your resume an extra second’s look thinking they need to prep answers for you.  And when you keep that commitment and actually call that day, you show professionalism and a proactive attitude.  All good things.

Now, this cover letter is pretty vanilla, but there’s a place for that.  Which do you use — something custom, creative and reflective, or a pretty standard letter?  Why?
photo credit: mezone

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2. Executive cover letters: Why getting personal gets results
3. Your job application: How to avoid the circular file
4. Your resume summary statement: Quantify, quantify, quantify
5. Resume roundup: 15 must-reads for job seekers

Tagged as: Career, cover letter, resume