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THE COVER LETTER  \nCareer Services, Fort Hays State University  \nSheridan Hall 214,(785) 628-4260, [careers@fhsu.edu](careers@fhsu.edu)  \nAn e ective cover letter is as important in the job search as an e ective resumé. It serves as an introduction to your resumé, and no resumé should be sent without one. Studies indicate that your cover letter has the life expectancy of about 30 seconds, so it must be brief, informative, and hold the reader’s attention. Employers often use cover letters as the intial screening tool in deciding whom to interview.  \nWhere the resumé is the selling tool, the cover letter or letter of application is designed with the goal of obtaining an interview. 􀀞e cover letter allows you to expand on the resumé and personalize your approach. A good cover letter expresses that you are seeking a more personal conversation about possible employment. It should draw a connection between the needs of the current job opening and the skills you can bring to the job. Cover letters are intended to summarize, mention particular points, provide additional information and ask for an interview. Cover letters follow the same general rules of resumes–speci􀀝c, concise and error-free. Always enclose a cover letter when you mail a resumé .  \nPlease remember each cover letter should be individualized to each position you are applying for.  \nTABLE OF CONTENTS  \nGeneral outline for a cover letter.....................3  \nElements ofa professional cover letter ............4  \nSample application letters..........................5-10  \nSample letters of inquiry..........................11-12  \nSample mutual friend referral........................13  \nSample networking letter...............................14  \nGENERAL OutLINE FOR A COVER LETTER  \nYour Mailing Address City, State, ZIP Code Phone Number Date of Letter  \nEmployer’s Name Employer’s Title Organization Name Mailing Address City, State ZIP Code  \nDear   :  \nOPENING PARAGRAPH: State why you are writing, the name of the position or type of work for which you are applying, and mention how you heard about the opening.  \nMIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S): Explain why you are interested in working for this employer and specify your reasons for desiring this type  \nof work. If you have had relevant work experience or related education, be sure to point it out, but do not reiterate your entire resumé.  Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner, and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills.  \nCLOSING PARAGRAPH: Refer the reader to your enclosed resumé or additional documentation you are using to illustrate your training, interests and experience. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for the interview by indicating the action or steps you will take to initiate an interview date. Indicate you are available for a personal interview at the employer’s convenience or show your motivation by telling the employer you will be in contact with them.  \nSincerely,  \n(Handwritten Signature)  \nYour Name Typed  \nEnclosure(s)  \nELEMENTS OF A PROFESSIONAL COVER LETTER  \nUSE EFFECTIVE FORMATTING RULES  \n• Your letter should follow the standard personal business letter format.  \n• Do not exceed one page of approximately three to four paragraphs.  \n• Use short words rather than long, complicated words; keep jargon to a bare minimum.  \n• Avoid using script, bold fonts and heavy typefaces.  \n• Strive to keep your cover letters interesting, concise and to the point.  \n• Remember to hand-sign your name above your typed name.  \nPERSONALIZE YOUR LETTER  \nWrite and type each cover letter individually. It should be personalized to each employer and company.  \nIf possible, address your letter to a speci􀀝c person in the ","cbCaiunfrr3WlPvo","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaiunfrr3WlPvo","pdf",1320115,"English","# General outline for a cover letter\n## Elements of a professional cover letter\n## Sample application letters\n## Sample letters of inquiry\n## Sample mutual friend referral\n## Sample networking letter","[{\"question\":\"Why is a cover letter important in the job search, and how long should it be?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter introduces your résumé and helps secure an interview. It should be brief and typically fit about one page with three to four paragraphs.\"},{\"question\":\"What should be included in the opening, middle, and closing paragraphs?\",\"answer\":\"The opening states why you are writing, the position you want, and how you heard about the opening. The middle explains interest in the employer and highlights relevant skills without repeating your entire résumé. The closing refers to your enclosed résumé and outlines the next step toward an interview.\"},{\"question\":\"How should a cover letter be personalized and addressed to the employer?\",\"answer\":\"Each cover letter should be individualized to the position and employer. Address the letter to a specific person when possible, using Mr. or Ms. when the gender is known, otherwise omit the title and address using the person’s first and last name.\"}]","Fort Hays State University - The Cover Letter - Your Resumé’s Best Friend | PDF",6]