coverletterguide.pdf

Job Application/Cover Letter

To create an effective job application letter, use good document design and use the
reader-centered approach to information design: put the bottom line up front, show how
you will help the organization achieve its goals, explain how your experience matches the
job requirements, move from general to specific information to back up your claims.
Please note that this sample is double-spaced for readability only. Professional
documents are usually single-spaced.

224 Happy Drive #8
Middletown, OH 12345

April 14, 2008

Mr. Robert Robertson
Director of Human Resources
Data Systems Design
600 DSD Lane
Raleigh, NC 12345

Dear Mr. Robertson:

While attending the computer science job fair at the University of Dayton on April 7, 2008, I met

with Ms. Kathy Anderson from your networking and data transfer division. Ms. Anderson

mentioned that Data Systems Design has an entry-level Application Programmer position open, and

I would like to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further. For the past several years, I have

followed the growth of Data Systems Design from a small privately owned company to a

multinational corporation. Based on your aggressive growth in international markets, I believe my

skills in programming and systems analysis can help your company succeed in these areas.

Moreover, since you are planning to expand your operations in Asia, my fluency in Japanese

and French will help you in this potentially lucrative market.

Introduction
Your introduction should discuss the following:
• Where you saw or heard about the position
• A brief background on the organization and its goals
• How your experience matches the position
• How you will help the organization achieve its goals
• Your objective: an interview

Job Application/Cover Letter 2

After speaking with Ms. Anderson, I looked at your website. From your online information, it’s

clear you are looking to compete in Asia in the networking and data transfer markets. Many

companies in this part of the world are migrating information from legacy systems. As a second-

semester senior at the University of Dayton, I will graduate in May with a B.S. degree in Computer

Science with a focus on Networking and Data Transfer Management. I believe my background

closely matches the goals you outline on your website. In fact, in Computer Science 390, I led a

group of students helping to design a new online database for the Dayton YMCA. This database

looked the same to users, but used a much more powerful search engine. This experience will help

Data Systems Design because many of your potential customers have similar needs: seamless data

transfer, transparent user interface, and high-level security.

Body Paragraph 1

This paragraph should discuss the following:
• More detail on company goals/mission
• More detail supporting your claim that you can help them achieve goals/mission
• Specific example based on information in résumé
• How you will help the organization

Job Application/Cover Letter 3

Your website states that entry-level Application Programmers must have experience using VSAM.

In addition, you state that applicants should have some real-world experience beyond the classroom.

I have experience with VSAM, and I have real-world experience. During my internship with

Dominick’s Food Stores, I used VSAM to develop a unique solution for accessing data in the

company’s capital expenditure database. My effort helped the company to monitor and report

capital expenses in a more timely and accurate manner. Additionally, my course work has included

assignments where I worked with outside companies on real-world programming projects. Through

my experiences, I have become very familiar in implementing all phases of the systems

development process. My background will help Data Systems Design because you will not have to

train me on your VSAM applications and development procedures.

Body Paragraph 2

This paragraph should discuss the following:
• More detail on position requirements
• More detail supporting your claim that your experience fulfills these requirements
• Specific example based on information in résumé
• How you will help the organization

Job Application/Cover Letter 4

Data Systems Design is a growing company with the potential to expand even further in Asian

markets, and I would like to speak with you further about how my experience can help you increase

your operations in countries such as Japan. I will be contacting your office next week, but if you

have any questions, please call me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or email me at [email protected]. I look forward

to hearing from you soon. Thank you for reviewing my letter and my enclosed résumé.

Sincerely,

Xxxx Xxxxxxx

Enclosure (Résumé)

Closing Paragraph

This paragraph should do the following:
• Repeat your main objective: an interview
• Provide contact information
• Close the letter in a professional manner
• Provide signature block
• Provide enclosure information