The cover letter is needed anytime you mail, fax or e-mail your resume, whether you are responding to an advertisement, following up on a lead from a friend, or contacting the company cold.
Make reference to advertisement (noting file # and position title), how you heard about the opening or what type of work you are looking for.
The second section, (paragraphs 2-3) should answer the question "Why am I an excellent candidate for this position". Highlight your strengths (i.e. education, experience, volunteer work, skills) which specifically relate to the job. If you are responding to an advertisement, include the skills you possess mentioned in the ad. Provide a concise statement of your experience base Number of years of experience in all aspects of...; a recent degree in...; extensive vocational pursuit of...; services contributed in ..., etc.
Express your enthusiasm. Use phrases such as highly committed to ...; a real passion for ...; lifelong interest in ...; what enjoy most ...; very appealing to ...; very motivating and rewarding to ...; feel aligned with ...
Provide details to employers needs/interests. Highlight selected accomplishments; key themes in your prior work, applicable to your new focus; experiences from any area of your life that qualify and motivate you ...
State your appreciation. Express, for example: many thanks for ...: your availability to meet....; your advise and perspective on...; consideration of my candidacy...; your thoughtfulness in...
Establish the next step. State your interest clearly: I look forward to an opportunity to talk with you in the near future... I will call you in a few days to see if we could arrange a time to meet... I welcome the opportunity for a personal interview to discuss the strengths of my background and the range of contributing roles I could play.
Sign your letter using one of the following: Yours truly; Yours sincerely; Sincerely yours;Sincerely; Respectfully; Cordially
Call a week or two after sending your resume to ensure it was received. If you are responding to an advertisement in the newspaper, follow up regularly until you get a definite decision as to whether you will be invited for an interview. If you are following a lead from a friend, follow the above procedure. If you are writing to a company cold , use your judgement, as to how often to call. You can ask the employer if you can call for example, in 3 to 4 weeks.