Cover Letter Guidelines

Cover Letters Should Be

If you do not have a contact name:

Research
– Investigate the company website and other online resources for contacts and addresses
– Call the company and request the name of the person responsible for hiring college graduates in your career area

If all efforts fail – Indicate a specific job title, such as Director of Public Relations
– Use a proper salutation such as, “To the Director of Public Relations:” or “Dear College Relations Manager:” or “Dear Hiring Manager:”

Consider using adaptations of these phrases in your cover letters:

ABC’s use of advanced digital recording technology is of particular interest to me.
Your company’s management trainee program is particularly unique in its rotational plan and accompanying classroom instruction.
I look forward to talking with you and will call your office during the week of September 7th to see if we might arrange a convenient time to meet.
With my educational background, bilingual skills, and business intern experience, I am confident I can make a contribution to your international trade department.
I would like the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you in an interview scheduled at your convenience.
Please accept the enclosed resume in application for an Assistant Editor position with News Time.
As a long-time resident of San Diego, I plan to return to the area to develop my career in journalism.

Calling the employer is acceptable, as long as it is gracious and courteous
Calling to check if your application materials were received and if any other materials would assist the employer in arriving at a positive decision regarding your application is also acceptable

When sending a resume via email, you may follow the cover letter format to write a message in the email to introduce your attached resume
Use the term “Enclosure” or “Enclosures” after your closing, only if you are sending hard copies of your documents