Sample Cover Letter

Individual's Name
Title of this Person
Name of Company
Street or Post Office Address
City, State ZIP Code

Dear ___________:

In this first paragraph, you indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and how you learned about the openings (Career services, newspaper ad, friend, etc.)

The second paragraph should mention why you are interested in this position, the organization, its products or services, and above all, indicate what you can do for this employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you have some practical work experience, point out the specific achievements or unique qualifications. Do no repeat your entire resume.

Refer your reader to the enclosed resume and/or application blank which summarizes your qualifications, training and experience in the third paragraph.

Close your letter by indicating your desire for a personal interview. You may want to suggest alternative dates and times or simply advise of your flexibility as to the time and place. Give your telephone number in the letter and offer any assistance which will help in a speedy response. Close your paragraph with a statement or questions which will encourage a response. You could do this in any one of the following ways: state you will be in the city where the organization is located on a certain date and would like to set up an interview; state you will call on a certain date to set up a later interview date; ask if the company will be recruiting in your area and could see you during that time; ask if he/she desires additional information and/or references which you would be happy to supply.

Sincerely yours,

(Your handwritten signature)

Type your full name

Enclosure (This notation denotes that resume, application, etc., are enclosed)

Note: Paragraphs 2 and 3 can be combined if short.

Sample Résumé

SUE C. SENIOR
scs@hotmail.com

Box 23200 Columbia College Columbia, MO 65216 (573) 294-9999

2902 East North Street Columbia, MO 65216 (573) 294-0000

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a marketing position.

PERSONAL SUMMARY (OPTIONAL)

Proven leader and creative problem-solver with excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills.

EDUCATION

Columbia College
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
Cumulative GPA: 3.20; Major GPA: 3.40

Foreign Study: London and Stratford-upon-Avon,
England, (Interdisciplinary Study of British Culture
and English Drama) Fall Term, 1997

Additional Course Work: Computer Graphics and Image Processing, Software Design, June 1999

HONORS/ACTIVITIES

Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges, 1998
Columbia College Student Activities Board, Publicity Chair, 1997
Association of Business Students, 1996
Collegiate Educational Service Corps, Volunteer, 1996

INTERNSHIP

Summer 1999	SunTrust Bank	Altanta, GA

- Conducted market research.
- Developed profile descriptions of major competitors using various sources of information.
- Compiled economic and demographic data on markets where business is conducted.
- Assessed the quality of service offered at several branch offices.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Summer 1997	Dillards Sales Associate	Columbia, MO

- Assisted customers with purchases and performed cash reconciliations.
- Provided informal staff training.
- Created special promotion and merchandise displays.

Summer 1996	Camp Seafarer Evening Program Director	Atlanta, GA

- Supervised three evening program staff members.
- Planned and implemented nightly activities for 150 campers.
- Coordinated awards banquet for entire camp (600 women).

INTERESTS

Willing to travel

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

Please send any comments or questions to Career Services Center.