Tips for Writing Cover Letters

Always refer to the exact position for which you are applying. Make sure you know all the details about it and the company.
Researching the company and the position prior to writing your letter will help you sound on point and will help frame your attributes more specifically for the position.
Point out those aspects of your career that you feel are especially important. Be confident and proud of your accomplishments, yet still matter-of-fact.
Don’t point out too many of your qualifications. You’ve enclosed your resume for that purpose. Instead, select one or two details or anecdotes and elaborate on those.
Refer in a positive way to a future interview. Don’t be shy about stating that you’ll follow-up.

Useful Phrases

Referring to the Position

I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for…
I would like to apply for the position of…
I’m interested in applying for…

Pointing Out Important Qualifications

As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position’s requirements closely.
I believe my…make of me an ideal candidate for this position.
I would like to point out…
During…, I improved (furthered, extended, deepened, etc.) my knowledge of…
My superiors really appreciated my… / when I…
I was responsible for…
My former position required me to…, which…

Referring to Future Interview

Please, feel free to contact me at…(for any further questions).
I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person.
I look forward to speaking with you personally.
I look forward to discussing how I can…

Cover Letter Example

Kenneth Beare

2520 Vista Avenue
Olympia, Washington 98501

Mr. Bob Trimm, Personnel Manager

Importers Inc.
587 Lilly Road

Olympia, Washington 98506

April 19, 2019

Dear Mr. Trimm,

My name is Kenneth Beare and I am applying for the position of the Legal Assistant specializing in Port Regulatory Law at Importers Inc., as advertised on Indeed. I am a seasoned attorney and, as you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position’s requirements closely.

I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Tacoma and was directly hired by Shoreman and Co. due to my expertise in port authority regulations. During my four years with the company, I further deepened my knowledge of the fast-changing regulatory laws in our state. My employer also thought highly enough of my abilities to promote me to head legal researcher after my first year of employment.

I am now ready to take my career to the next level, and Importers Inc. seems to be the perfect place for my aspirations. Your prestige along with the attentive care you give your customers are aspects that I value highly, and I believe that my profound knowledge of the industry, as well as my people skills, would help your company reach an even wider clientele.

Please, feel free to contact me by email or at (206) 121-0771 for any additional information. I would love to become a part of Importers Inc. and help further your mission. Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Beare