Writing a Cover Letter

A great sample cover letter from The Resume Handbook by Arthur D. Rosenberg:
cover letter 1

some of my cover letters in the past that got me interviews:
Letter 1, Letter 2, Letter 3, Letter 4

If you got letter head, use it. You can import an image into word and use it on top. It should include your logo and match the design on your website, business card, etc. Open WORD & INSERT>PICTURE>FROM FILE
here is an example of a letter for the gallery with letter head.

follow-up letter to interview:

Basic layout:

TOP: Todays Date, sometimes people put their address up here as well, but no name. If you have letter head you do not have to do that as your address should be on your letter head with your logo already.
11/1/01

NEXT: Address of who you are sending this to:
Chair
Search Committee
Department of Visual and Media Arts
Emerson College
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116

NEXT: Greeting
Attention Susan Smith, Chair:
or

To Whom It May Concern:
(use this if you don't know who is to get your letter)

NEXT: First Paragraph, first sentence state what job you are applying to or what position you are seeking. I frequently bold the position. Also, use their language in terms of the title of the position. Make it easy for them to identify and never waste anyone's time.

I am sending my portfolio in regards to the position for Media Artist, Assistant Professor

NEXT: Write 1-3 paragraphs (more only if necessary)

NEXT: Follow by adding in your contact info and website for your portfolio clearly visible and set off from the rest of the text.

Portfolio Site: http://www.runwhiletrue.com/run

My information:
Larissa Bank
314 N. Curson Avenue
Apt #203
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(h) 323.939.3157
(c) 323.356.8185

NEXT: If you have good references and it seems appropriate, use them.

References:
Debra Callabresi, Founder, N-tonic, 1020 mission St, Suite F, South Pasadena 91030
Cel (818) 231-1288

Lea Zagury, Director, Anima Mundi Film Festival, Brazil
(She brought me to Brazil to teach Flash)
LA home (323) 662-1353
Brazil (55-21) 543-8860

Shiela Sofian, Instructor at College of the Canyons and Independent Animator, Valencia, CA (former co-worker)
Home (626) 398-3590 Cel. (626) 676-1183

Andrew Bucksbarg, Instructor at Chaffey College and New Media Artist
(Collaborated with me in many projects over the past 5 years)
Home (323) 465-3299 Cel. (323) 972-3685

NEXT: Closing, always close positively. Some people even add in "I look forward to meeting you" , "Thank you for your consideration" or something to that effect.

I am sending a confidential credentials file under separate cover. Please include it with my application and feel free to contact me for additional information.

NEXT: Closing
Sincerely,


NEXT: Your name with room above it to sign. You can also include address, phone, email, and website info here and if you have a title, use it. But I often do not do that if I already included that info above.
Larissa Bank

Print your letter out and sign it above your name.

More info - Basic Formatting:

YOUR ADDRESS (Do not put your name here)
TODAY'S DATE

Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER'S NAME (If you don't have one, get one!)
TITLE
COMPANY'S NAME
ADDRESS

DEAR Mr./Ms. EMPLOYER:

FIRST PARAGRAPH: This is the "why I'm writing to you" paragraph which immediately tells the employer the position you want to be considered for. This is short - usually 2-3 sentences. Points to cover:

Why you are writing and which position you are applying for.
How you heard about the position is irrelevant unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program. Do not write, "I learned of this opportunity through the Career Services Office."
Show from your research why you are interested in this position or organization. The goal is to make a connection - do this Briefly and Specifically or leave it out; sweeping statements will not work. If you know anyone who works there now is the time to mention it!

SECOND PARAGRAPH: This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. Highlight some of your most relevant experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which you are applying. Choose 2 - 3 points you want to make about Specific experiences/accomplishments or about general qualities you have exhibited, and provide Specific examples to support those points. This paragraph will change according to the job/employer for which you are applying. This is usually the longest paragraph of the letter. You may break this paragraph into two if it looks too lengthy or if your points work best in separate paragraphs. Points to ponder:

FINAL PARAGRAPH: This is a short 2-4 sentences paragraph. You should refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next (Contact them within specific period of time unless it is a recruiting program). It is vital that you thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Name