Cover & Thank you Letters

Cover Letters

What is a cover letter? A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume. There are two types. The first, a letter of application, is sent when there is an actual vacancy. The second, a letter of inquiry, is sent when you are inquiring about possible vacancies in your field. Cover letters should be individualized for each position that you are applying for, or inquiring about. They should be brief (one-page only).

What does the cover letter include?

  • Your return address, the date, the name of the person you are writing to, the organization’s name and address.
  • Your unique qualifications that relate to the job and how the employer can benefit by them.
  • For a letter of application, a reference to the position to which you are applying and how you heard of it.
  • For a letter of inquiry, a reference to the type of work that you are seeking.
  • Both must have three parts to the letter - the opening, the body and the closing.
  • Your name and your signature.

How do I prepare a cover letter?

  • Use a heavy stock paper (minimum, 20 lb. weight) that matches the resume and envelope.
  • Use a laser printer.
  • Proofread carefully.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

3 Anywhere Avenue
NY, NY 11111

Apr. 22, 2020

Ms. Betty Smith
Human Resources Director
Abel Direct
100 Nowhere Street
NY, NY 11111

Dear Ms. Smith:

I was very excited to see your advertisement for your Marketing Coordinator position at Abel Direct yesterday on Indeed.com. Please consider my application for this opening.

You stated in your ad that you are looking for someone who can first and foremost guarantee customer satisfaction. I have learned first-hand how to effectively build and maintain strong client relationships through my recent part-time teller position at Everyone’s Bank. Your job description also stated that you are looking for someone who is outgoing, who can also analyze data. I possess outstanding persuasive and follow-up skills. Currently interning at USA Mail Direct in Westbury, I cold-call, compile market research data and prepare analytic reports. These experiences, in addition to the courses that I have taken in my marketing program at Nassau Community College and my proficiency in Microsoft Office, have prepared me with the skills and knowledge that you are seeking.

I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you further about this position and hope that an interview can be arranged. Feel free to contact me at 516-111-1111 or Jayne.Freed@rmail.com. Thank you.


Sincerely,

Jayne Freed
Enc.

Thank-you Letters

What is a thank-you letter?

A thank-you letter is a brief (one-page) letter sent out to an employer immediately following an interview. It serves as a reminder of the interview and lets the interviewer know that you are interested in the position. 

What does the thank-you letter include?

  • Your return address, the date, the name of the person you are writing to, the organization’s name and address.
  • An expression of thanks for the interview.
  • A restatement of your major qualifications for the job.
  • Anything about your candidacy that you may have forgotten to discuss during the interview.
  • Your name and signature. NOTE: Cover letters and thank-you letters may be sent via E-mail to employers
  • Sample Cover Letter and Thank-You Letter

100 Somewhere Avenue
N.Y., N.Y. 11111

April 22, 2020

Mr. Philip Jones
Vice President
XYZ Management Incorporated
1212 Central Highway
NY, NY  10000

Dear Mr. Jones:

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the management position that is currently vacant at your company.  I am highly interested in this position and hope that you will consider me as a strong candidate for it.

You mentioned that you are looking for a candidate who has managed diverse functions and has handled many different operational tasks.  Over the eight years that I have been in business management, I have been successful at handling staffing, training and supervision at a company with 100+ employees.  I’ve had diverse experiences that have enabled me to develop innovative approaches to management in the areas of operations and records management, office automation, budget analysis and teambuilding.  Additionally, I have planned and implemented twelve different management development programs for my current firm. These programs were launched in an effort to introduce new customer service initiatives to professional staff members.  I can provide the same type of leadership, creative solutions and results for XYZ Management.

I look forward to hearing from you again, so I can describe further how my background can be applicable to your organization’s needs.  You can reach me at 516-000-0000 or David.Marks@rmail.com.  I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

David Marks

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