Writing a cover letter

1. Writing a cover letter Purpose Format Vocabulary Required Sample

2. Definition • A cover letter is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a résumé or curriculum vitae. • Job seekers frequently send a cover letter along with their CV or employment application as a way of introducing themselves to potential employers and explaining their suitability for the desired position. • Employers may look for individualized and thoughtfully written cover letters. • Badly written cover letters are a sign of carelessness, a lack of interest and a poor education.

3. Categories • The application letter or invited cover letter which responds to a known job opening • The prospecting letter or uninvited cover letter which inquires about possible positions • The networking letter which requests information and assistance in the sender's job search • We will be learning how to write an application letter.

4. Format • Cover letters are generally one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing.

5. Header • Cover letters use standard business letter style • with the sender's address, • the recipient's contact information, • and the date. • The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").

6. Introduction • The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, • and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.

7. Body • The body highlights material in the resume or job application, • and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. • Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. • If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.

8. Closing • A closing sums up the letter • and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. • It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, • although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. • After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely“ or “Respectfully yours”), • and then a signature line.

9. Sample cover letterfor a a college student

10. Header • Your Contact InformationName AddressCity, State, Zip Code Phone Number Cell Phone Number Email • Employer Contact InformationNameTitle Company Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email • Date • Dear Mr./Ms. LastName, / To Whom It May Concern: / Dear Sir or Madam,

11. Introduction • I am a (year in university) at the Catholic University of Daegu interested in interviewing for a job as a (job title) with (company/organization). • I believe that (company/organization) is the ideal place for me to pursue my goal of becoming an innovative and responsible (job title) and to contribute to the development of the field of (job field).

12. Body • Academically, my extensive course work in the (university major) department at the Catholic University of Daegu has allowed me to gain an in-depth understanding of (first subject). • I also have studied (second subject). • My work experience consists of working at (company/organization) for (amount of time) in (year). While I was working, I learned a lot about (subject) and was also able to improve my (skill). • For more details about my education, skills and experience, please refer to my attached resume.

13. Closing • I firmly believe that I would be a useful addition to the innovative environment at (company/organization). Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon. • Sincerely/Respectfully yours, • Your name

14. A second sasmple

15. Header Hong Kil Dong 101-101 Woobang Apt. Hayang-eupGyeongsan-si Gyeongbuk, Korea Phone Number: 010-1111-1111 Email: hkd@cu.ac.kr To Whom It May Concern: Samsung Electronics 416 Metan-dong Yeongtong-gu Suwon-si, Gyeonggi, Korea Phone number: 02-2255-0114 Email: dearsamsung@sec.co.kr November 18, 2011

16. Introduction • I am writing concerning the positions for English translators at Samsung Electronics.

17. Body • I am a flexible and enthusiastic student and will be graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature. I have taken many classes related to (subject 1) and (subject 2). I have also worked for (amount of time) as a (job title) at (company/organization) (see attached curriculum vitae). • Please find attached scanned copies of my photo, degree, transcript, and Citizen Registration Card. References and letters of recommendation will be furnished upon request.

18. Closing • With my qualifications, experience and passion for, I feel that I would be a successful addition to the staff at (company/organization). • I thank you in advance for your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon. • Respectfully yours, ____________________ • (name)

19. Write your own cover letter Include your contact details and choose a company/organization to apply to. Include the date and a salutation. Have a simple and direct introduction. Include your education, skills and job experience in the body. Mention if you attached any other files (resume/degree/ID cards, photo, etc). Remind the reader that you expect a response in the closing and use a polite/respectful valediction.