Cover letter templates

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COVER LETTER

A job has been advertised.

Strategy:

Respond by matching your experience and abilities to those detailed in the job posting.

First paragraph:

"I am writing in response to the (job title) position advertised in (job board) this week. I enclose my CV for your information. I have also downloaded to your computer my CV in ASCII as required"

Second paragraph:

"I am a (?) professional with experience in the (?) industry. My strengths include: (bullet list points, noting your experience, abilities and personal skills as requested in the ad) such as:

§As my CV shows, I have extensive experience in the area of financial control with strong computer skills.
§I am meticulous on detail and a person who works hard and pays attention to deadlines.
§I’m versatile, and flexible in the way I pick up new skills.
§ I’m a person who works well independently or in a team. I believe I could easily fit into the position and your team.
I really do want to work for a company with a great reputation and high profile like (insert company name)."

Third paragraph:
“You may see from my CV that I show no employment for the period June 2003 and May 2004. This is because I had a late ‘year out’ and spent the period travelling in the Far East and Australia. I am pleased I did this because I gained enormous personal experience about the far side of the world.”

Fourth paragraph:
"I would like very much to discuss this career opening with you and hope you can arrange a meeting. My contact details are (address, telephone number, mobile number, e-mail).

I will call next Monday to see if you have been able to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your very kind consideration."

COVER LETTER

No job has been advertised, but you would like to work in this company.

Strategy:

Send a CV and cover letter to the person who heads a department you would like to work in.

First paragraph:

"I am writing to introduce myself and to enquire about opportunities to work in your department. I have taken the liberty of enclosing my CV in the hope that my skills and abilities match an opening you have"

Second paragraph:

"My background includes ... (add a few sentences about your experience), such as:

§An accounts degree course which involved a great deal of independent research requiring initiative, resourcefulness, self motivation and commitment.
§Extensive part-time and vacation work experience in accounts temping which has given me various accounting skills and the ability to work with many different types of people.
§An interest in business-related current affairs and events“.

Third paragraph:

“My CV shows that so far I’ve passed four of the ‘Fundamental’ papers in the ACCA qualifying exams. What it does not show is that I scored over 65% for each paper. I think this shows the high level of dedication I put into any activity I’m involved in.

Fourth paragraph:

“I have excellent references and would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In the unfortunate case that you do not have any suitable vacancies at this time, I would be grateful if your would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. I really am keen on working for your company.

COVER LETTER

No job has been advertised, but a mutual acquaintance has recommended you make contact.

Strategy:

Send a CV and cover letter to make the contact and offer to meet.

First paragraph:

"Douglas Colleridge (the mutual friend) has suggested I contact you. I am a (credential or title) with extensive experience in the (industry) field. Douglas said you are always looking for experienced (job title). I have enclosed my CV for your information and consideration. I have the CV in ASCII format if this is more convenient for you.

Second paragraph:

"My background includes ..." (add a few sentences about your experience).

Third paragraph:

"I have got a few days of holiday next week. Can we set a time to talk about possible vacancies in your department? I'll call in a day or two to confirm the arrangements. I look forward to our meeting - Douglas speaks highly of you!"

COVER LETTER

Graduate Entrant.

Strategy:

Send a CV and cover letter to the person who heads a department you would like to work in.

First paragraph:

"I am writing to introduce myself and to enquire about opportunities to work in your department. I have taken the liberty of enclosing my CV in the hope that my personal skills and abilities match an opening you have."

Second paragraph:

“You will see that I am low on accounting experience, but I think I make up for it in a number of important ways:

§I gained a 1st Class degree in accountancy which involved a detailed dissertation which focused on ‘The Equity Gap in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and how it can be resolved’. This involved considerable research into small companies, their cash flow patterns and their funding options. It gave me a practical look at the problems of small companies and why they are credit risks, but also why they represent such a good customer base. The dissertation required a great deal of independent research requiring initiative, resourcefulness, self motivation and commitment. As part of that research I spent two weeks working voluntarily (without pay) in a small firm. I received a score of 84 percent.
§As a committee member of the Students’ Union I experienced team work and responded well to this. For a while I was responsible for the work of four other people, and gained a lot of experience in just how difficult it is to supervise other people. My unit also maintained accounts which were held on Excel.
§I have an interest in business-related current affairs and events and at my own expense attended a one-day seminar on ‘How to Read and Understand the Financial Times.’ I read it now each day.
§I have a lot of interest in IT and look on it almost as a hobby. I have strong ability in Excel (and modelling on Excel), Word and Power Point, and was instructed on the use of Sage and Oracle at University.
§I am enthusiast in my work, hard-working and will be totally committed to any role or assignment I am given.”

Third paragraph:

“I have excellent references from my university tutors, from the owner of the small company I worked in and from two other business people. I would be delighted to discuss any possible vacancy with you at your convenience. In the unfortunate case that you do not have any suitable vacancies at this time, I would be grateful if your would keep my CV on file for any future possibilities. I really am keen on working for your company which I consider ‘Best in Class’.”