About (http://www.careerealism.

com/about/)

Meet Our Experts (http://www.careerealism.com/meet-our-experts/)

Advertise (http://www.careerealism.com/advertising/)
Career Coaching (http://www.careerhmo.com)

Policy (http://www.careerealism.com/policy/)

Contact (http://www.careerealism.com/contact/)

Subscribe (http://www.careerealism.com/subscribe)
Employment Branding Services (http://www.careerealism.com/employment-branding-services/)
Speaking Opportunities (http://www.careerealism.com/speaking-engagements/)

(http://www.careerealism.com/)

Join103,000+readersandreceive
dailycareertipsinyourInbox!

Email:
Breaking News

China Wholesale
Discover Ready-made Goods in China Contact Manufacturers For Export

5 Parts Of A Cover Letter (A.K.A. How To Write A Good

One!)
May 17, 2014 (http://www.careerealism.com/cover-letter-mechanics-how-to-write-a-good-one/) by Debra Wheatman
(http://www.careerealism.com/author/debra-wheatman/)
Cover Letter (http://www.careerealism.com/category/job-search/cover-letter/)

Every resume should be accompanied by a cover letter with five parts.

Related: How To Write A Perfect Cover Letter For Any Job Opening (http://www.careerealism.com/howwrite-perfect-cover-letter-job/)
In this article, I am going to demonstrate the mechanics of a well written cover letter. I hope this
provides some knowledge about the parts of a cover letter, and enables you to generate interest from a
hiring manager.

1. The Salutation (The Hello)

Get a name, any name. By hook or by crook try to get a name. Sometimes you cant then try To whom

it may concern or Dear hiring manager.

DearHiringManager:

2. The Opening (The Grab)

Your opening paragraph is your introduction and presents the reader with some immediate and focused
information regarding the position you are pursuing and a few core competencies that demonstrate
your strength:
Havingcontributedasanoperationsandgeneralbusinessleader,Iamwritingtoexpressmy
interestin[NameofPosition]with[NameofCompany].YouwillseeontheenclosedresumeI
turnedaroundanunderperformingbusiness,substantiallyimprovedproductivityandemployee
morale,andpossesscriticalandcreativethinkingskillsthatwillfacilitatemyswiftcontributionto
yoursustainedgrowth.

3. The Second Paragraph (The Hook)

This paragraph should define some examples of the work performed and results achieved. This
paragraph should be connected to your resume. This does not mean you should copy verbatim what is
in the resume. Rather, cover some key competencies that you feel define your success.
In the event you are highlighting some information not contained in the resume (if you are switching
careers, or have a unique value proposition), this is the perfect place to cover that information. Use
bullets to define key areas of achievement and highlight what you bring:
MyprofessionalexperiencesincludemyrecentpositionwithXYZCorporationasOperations
Manager,andpreviouspositionswithABCCorporation,andDEFCorporation.InallofmyrolesI
guidedtheprofessionaldevelopmentofstaffandgainedconsensusfortheadoptionofnewideas
duetomydemonstratedabilitytoclearlypresentvalueaddedrecommendations.Thefollowingis
abriefsampleoftheexpertiseIoffer:
Conceptualizedandimplementedaninnovativebusinessstrategywherebyinventorywas
maintainedatvendorlocations,resultingintheeffectiveuseofaJITsystemandannual
savingsof$250,000forXYZCorporation.
Establishedinternaloperatingproceduresthatreducedemployeedowntimeby15%.In
additiontoconductingcrosstraininginitiatives,Ifosteredanenvironmentpredicatedon
accountabilityforresults,whichimprovedtheteamscommitmenttotheattainmentofshort
andlongtermgoals.
ConductedindustryandcompetitiveanalysiswhileatABCCorporation,whichenabledsenior
leadershiptoanalyzepotentialacquisitionopportunities.Aftercontributingtothedue
diligenceprocess,threetargetswerepursued,andresultedinonesuccessfuldeal.From
workingwithattorneys,investmentbankers,andCPAs,toservingasakeyliaisontosenior
leadership,myrecommendationsweresuccessfullyimplemented.

4. The Third Paragraph (Paragraph Of Knowledge)

Here demonstrate something you know about the company that prompted you to write. This shows the
reader that you did some preliminary homework and understand the companys drivers and goals:

Afterresearching123Company,Iunderstandyourimmediategoalistoimprovebusiness
performanceandestablishkeybenchmarkswithin[NameofIndustry].Yourrecentacquisitionof
[CompanyName],putsyouinapositiontogainmarketshareandestablishauniquebrand
presencewithpotentialandexistingcustomers.Givenmyprofessionalachievements,Iamina
positiontohelpyouquicklyachieveyourgoals.

5. The Fourth Paragraph (The Close)

In the closing paragraph quickly summarize what you offer and close by either suggesting a meeting or
indicating that you will call in a certain number of days. If you choose the latter approach, make sure
you follow-up within the time frame you reference.
Ibringatoolkitcomprisedofleadership,strategicplanning,andanalyticalskillsandIwouldbe
pleasedtoreviewmycredentialswithyoutopersonallyexplorehowIcancontributeasamember
ofyourseniorleadershipteam.Pleasefeelfreetocontactmeatthenumberabovetoarrangea
timetospeak.
Sincerely,
FullName
Enclosure:Resume
Thats it! The above template provides what I believe to be the most important parts to any cover letter.

Related Posts
7 Examples Of Fresh New Ways To Start Your Cover Letter (http://www.careerealism.com/examplesstart-cover-letter/)
5 Cover Letter Techniques = Spellbound Hiring Managers (http://www.careerealism.com/cover-lettertechniques/)
5 Key Steps To A Cover Letter That Opens Doors (http://www.careerealism.com/cover-letter-opensdoors/)

Photo Credit: Shutterstock (http://www.shutterstock.com/)

1. ResumeWritingSkills

6. ResumeBuilder

2. CoverLetterSamples

7. ProfessionalResumeWritingTips

3. BestCoverLetters

8. PerfectResumeSamples

4. WriteaResume

9. JobWinningResumes

5. ProfessionalResumeServices

10. CoverLetterFormat

Copyright 2014 CAREEREALISM (http://www.careerealism.com/) | tdMagazine Theme by tdThemes (http://tasko.us/)

Powered by WishList Member - Membership Software (http://member.wishlistproducts.com/)