本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛What is a cover letter?
The cover letter is addressed to a potential employer and serves as an introduction to you and your résumé. Unlike the résumé, it is never "mass produced" but individually tailored to a specific employer.
Basic components to writing effective cover letters
The Return Address
Your return address should appear on the left-hand side of the paper.
The Date
The date should appear two lines beneath your return address on the left hand side of the page. Write out the date, do not use an abbreviated format.
The Addressee
Always find a name and proper title of the addressee before you send out a cover letter. Three lines beneath the date, list the full name of the addressee preceded by M. or Ms. (Do not use Miss or Mrs., even if you happen to know the marital status of the addressee). On the next line, list the individual's format title; on the subsequenet line, list the name of the company. This is followed by the company address, which generally takes three lines. Occasionally, the individual's full titile or the company name and address will be very long, and can appear awkward on the usual number of lines allocated. In this case, you may prefer using an extra line.
The Salutation
The salutation should specify the reader's name in formal fashion (e.g. Dear Ms. or Mr. Brown). The exception being that if "first name " basis was established through a previous conversation, you could then use "Dear Sue". If you are unable to identify the reader the most commonly used version is "Dear Sir or Madam".
The Opening Paragraph (Why you are writing)
The introduction should serve to catch the reader's attention. It should make it clear what position is of interest to you. It is a good idea to refer to your telephone conversation or mention any contact that may have referred you. The introduction should show an understanding of the organization's goals or challenges. The best introduction should show a link between the skill you possess and the organization's needs.
Second Paragraph (What you have to offer)
This should provide specific information about the skills you have. This section embellishes your accomplishments and allows you to respond to every possible requirement that is mentioned in the ad/job offer. Although it must be remembered that the reader does not have a lot of time, do not sell yourself short. Let your enthusiasm for the company shine through!
Third Paragraph (Why this company)
Indicate why you feel you would like to work for this company/organization. Demonstrate that you have some knowledge about this company/organization (for example, their products, service, place in the community).
The Closing
The final paragraph should request an interview and indicate to the reader a time frame as to when you will follow up. One to two weeks is often best. The letter can be completed by thanking the reader for his/her consideration or by confirming your interest in the organization. Commonly used closings are "Yours truly" or "Sincerely" followed by your full name.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
The cover letter is addressed to a potential employer and serves as an introduction to you and your résumé. Unlike the résumé, it is never "mass produced" but individually tailored to a specific employer.
Basic components to writing effective cover letters
The Return Address
Your return address should appear on the left-hand side of the paper.
The Date
The date should appear two lines beneath your return address on the left hand side of the page. Write out the date, do not use an abbreviated format.
The Addressee
Always find a name and proper title of the addressee before you send out a cover letter. Three lines beneath the date, list the full name of the addressee preceded by M. or Ms. (Do not use Miss or Mrs., even if you happen to know the marital status of the addressee). On the next line, list the individual's format title; on the subsequenet line, list the name of the company. This is followed by the company address, which generally takes three lines. Occasionally, the individual's full titile or the company name and address will be very long, and can appear awkward on the usual number of lines allocated. In this case, you may prefer using an extra line.
The Salutation
The salutation should specify the reader's name in formal fashion (e.g. Dear Ms. or Mr. Brown). The exception being that if "first name " basis was established through a previous conversation, you could then use "Dear Sue". If you are unable to identify the reader the most commonly used version is "Dear Sir or Madam".
The Opening Paragraph (Why you are writing)
The introduction should serve to catch the reader's attention. It should make it clear what position is of interest to you. It is a good idea to refer to your telephone conversation or mention any contact that may have referred you. The introduction should show an understanding of the organization's goals or challenges. The best introduction should show a link between the skill you possess and the organization's needs.
Second Paragraph (What you have to offer)
This should provide specific information about the skills you have. This section embellishes your accomplishments and allows you to respond to every possible requirement that is mentioned in the ad/job offer. Although it must be remembered that the reader does not have a lot of time, do not sell yourself short. Let your enthusiasm for the company shine through!
Third Paragraph (Why this company)
Indicate why you feel you would like to work for this company/organization. Demonstrate that you have some knowledge about this company/organization (for example, their products, service, place in the community).
The Closing
The final paragraph should request an interview and indicate to the reader a time frame as to when you will follow up. One to two weeks is often best. The letter can be completed by thanking the reader for his/her consideration or by confirming your interest in the organization. Commonly used closings are "Yours truly" or "Sincerely" followed by your full name.更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net