If you see a job posting online and it sounds exquisitely suited to you, you probably feel compelled to submit not only your resume but a customized cover letter, as well. But job seekers often struggle with constructing an effective cover letter. It’s important to remember that the cover letter, like the resume, is a marketing tool. Use it to show how you can help the company in question. Obviously, different people’s cover letters will look quite different from one another. But here’s a sample of what such a letter might look like. Dear (insert name or "Hiring Manager" if name is unknown):

　　Your advertisement on Monster for a (insert job title) fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in and enthusiasm for the position. As an accomplished sales leader, I have achieved seven-figure revenue growth, international market penetration and successful product launches for leading global corporations during my career.

　　In addition to my desire to join your team, you will find I am a dedicated and driven professional whose recent accomplishments include:

　　* An increase of international sales from 1 percent of the company’s total revenue to 75 percent, capturing more than half of the entire European market and one-third of the Latin American market within two years.

　　* Dramatic expansion of customer base, leading to seven-figure revenue growth rates that far exceed the pace of larger, more established competitors.

　　* Development of a 75-member dealer network across 30 countries in six continents.

　　* Attainment of 100 percent customer retention rate through expert relationship-building skills and a commitment to a solution-focused, service-first sales approach.

　　* Launch of a new London office, expected to double sales revenue by 2003.

　　* Introduction of three innovative product lines, following comprehensive market research and competitive-intelligence gathering.

　　Your software products are truly on the cutting edge of technology -- you offer products that can change the way a company conducts business on the Internet. I am excited by this technology and would be able to translate this excitement to a business benefit for your current and future clients. If you agree that my qualifications are a close fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss strategies for expanding (name of company’s) market presence.

　　I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (phone number) or via email at (email address). I look forward to our conversation.

Sincerely,

Dina Smith

二＼Cover Letter Template

Your name
Mailing address
City, state, and zip
Telephone number(s)
Email address

Today’s date

Your addressee’s name
Professional title
Organization name
Mailing address
City, state and zip

Dear Mr. (or Ms.) last name,

　　Start your letter with a grabber—a statement that establishes a connection with your reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for.

　　The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may incorporate a column or bullet point format here.

　　Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (e.g., call the employer) or instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying “thank you.”

Sincerely yours,

Your handwritten signature

Your name (typed)