career.eng.ohio-state.

edu

HOW TO WRITE APPLICATION (or Cover) LETTERS

Whenever you send your resume to apply for a posted job opening, you need to send an application letter (sometimes called a cover letter) as well. Your application letter can add value and interest to your resumeor take you out of consideration completely! Luckily, theres a straightforward formula for success thats easy to master. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 below.

STEP 1: Print (or clip) the posting or advertisement. Highlight or underline every qualification
requesteddegree, coursework, experience, interests, personal qualities. Then, make a chart like the one below.
The job asks for:
List each qualification stated in the ad. Skill A Skill B

Examples of how I match:

For each qualification listed, list what you have that matches: education (degree, specific courses, projects done for courses); experience (paid or volunteer); interests or hobbies (if you have any that specifically relate to that job or organization), personal qualities that specifically match the desired profile, technical skills, etc. If the posting lists something that you dont have, just skip itnever say, Although I dont have. The employer might be glad to find someone who has 5 out of the 6 qualifications listed!

Skill C etc.

STEP 2: Next, incorporate the results of your chart into a finished letter such as the following example:
1 Your street address Your City, State, Zip code Todays date Name (orif unknown, the function, such as Hiring Manager or Plant Manager) Title and/or Department (if known) Company Name Street address City, State, Zip Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: (or, Dear Hiring Manager: ) I am writing to apply for the mechanical engineering position [Company Name] has currently posted with Engineering Career Services at Ohio State. My co-op work experience, academic preparation, and career interests fit this position very well. [Add a sentence to indicate why you are interested in this particular job or company. Example: In addition, I have a strong interest in the automotive industry, and .] As the enclosed resume indicates, I will graduate in June 2002 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Ohio State University. My technical electives have focused on manufacturing and automotive design. I have been an active contributor to OSUs Formula SAE racecar, working on suspension design and sponsorship development. During my five co-op quarters of mechanical engineering experience, I worked my way up to an entry-level engineers responsibilities. For six months, I was responsible for dimensional quality on three of six forming lines. In this position I learned the value of precise communication between both bargaining unit employees and engineers, in addition to enhancing my technical skills. I also have two quarters of mechanical design experience, during which I selected catalog design components, integrated them into complex mechanical designs, and successfully designed products for manufacturability. I am very interested in this opportunity and would enjoy meeting with you to learn more about [Company Name] and to discuss how my education and experience could benefit you. I will call your office next week to see if a meeting can be arranged. Sincerely, Your signature Your full name typed Your email address Your area code and phone number Engineering Career Services 199 Hitchcock Hall 2050 Neil Avenue Communicate professionalism by using the standard business letter format. Allow a minimum of one inch margins on all sides. Use a font size of 1012. If youre emailing, paste your letter into the text part of your email.

Your opening paragraph identifies the specific job, where you saw it, andin one sentence--summarizes what appeals to you about it. In paragraph #2 (you could break it into 2a and 2b, as the sample does), you will describe exactly how you match the stated qualifications. Some people use bullet points instead of full paragraphs. You could have four or five bullet points, but if you use paragraph style, limit it to two.

In paragraph 3, you request an interview and restate your interest. In the closing, provide contact information so they can easily reach you even if your resume is misplaced!

Did you spell check AND proofread? Columbus, Ohio 43210 (614) 292-6651