Crafting Cover Letters

I have the entire week off for Thanksgiving, so I am going to use it wisely. This week's goal: craft cover letters to send to each person on my networking list. I looked back at my notes on cover letters today, so I thought I would share them. 

Paragraph 1:The Opening

• State the reason for writing and how you learned of the opening
• To apply for the position advertised on [Date] in the [Newspaper/etc.]
• To inquire about software opportunities with [Organization] at the suggestion of [advisor, mentor, professor, etc.]
• You may also explain why the employer/work appeals to you

Paragraph 2 &/ 3: The Rationale

• This is where you THINK [of employer's needs] and LINK [your skills and abilities]. After reviewing the ad, job description, or other research on the qualifications required, you need to discuss and demonstrate 2/3 top skills from you Experience and Skill Inventory that qualify you for the opportunity. Be sure to answer your reader's question: What can this candidate do for me or my company/agency? Content might be organized into:
• Educational/Academic background (course work, projects, research)
• Work Experience/Training/Internships
• Functional/Personal Skills (communication/leadership/work ethic) either expanding on your resume summary, or mentioning other details

Final Paragraph: Call to Action

• Decide on what action you wish to request from the reader and how you will proceed:
• Request an interview, or some other response, and tell how you may be contacted
• Indicate when you will follow-up to answer questions or learn more of their hiring process
• Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration

Technical Requirements

• 1 page length
• 1" margins on all sides
• 12 point size, Times New Roman font
• Typed on word processor and laser printer
• No spelling or typing errors. Check grammar, punctuation, and syntax
• Write to the person who can hire you, with name, title, address correct and complete. Choose a "nonsexist" term, if no name is available, i.e. "Dear Personnel Director, Search Committee, Reader"
• Sign with a blue or black pen
• Secured on top of resume by one paper clip in the upper left hand corner
• Not folded or bent in any way