Sample Phrases for Writing a Cover Letter
The following sample phrases may help you think about and write your cover letter. The sections are based on the suggested cover letter structure.
Opening
My professor, Dr. Norman Bates, suggest I contract you concerning...
Mr. Tim Copper informed me about the...
I am writing to inquire about...
The Boston Globe of December 4, 1998 contained an article about...
Your company interests me because...
…your recent Daily News advertisement caught my attention…
... reminded our conversation of last week...
With reference to your advertisement in The Times of Friday, January 4th, I would like to apply for the position of … in your company.
I recently heard from … that there is a vacancy in your department.
Middle
My experience in publishing includes...
During training for my present job, I took courses in…
I have worked at developing...
My qualifications are based on a combination of...
My course work in economics exposed me to...
I am used to working on my own.
I am confident that I have demonstrated...
I would like the opportunity to work on my own initiative and to take on a certain amount of responsibility.
The company with which I am employed at present doesn't, I feel, offer me enough scope to develop my own ideas.
Since my present position offers little prospect for advancement, I should prefer to be employed in an expanding organization such as yours.
These experiences make me an ideal candidate for a...
Please refer to the enclosed resume for further particulars.
I am at present earning … per annum.
In view of my qualifications, I would expect a salary of about…
I would prefer to discuss the question of salary at a personal meeting.
Closing
I am interested in discussing...
I will contact you ... to arrange an interview...
I will be in Wisconsin during...
Employer response time and applicant follow-up
Employer response time is usually between 2 to 4 weeks. Applicants who haven't heard from an employer after 4 weeks should do a follow-up either by mail or by telephone. The follow-up should be directed to the original contact person and should be low-key. Make sure that the follow-up does NOT come across to the prospective employer as: Why haven't I heard from you? State the date your original letter was sent and ask if it was received, restate your interest in the specific company and ask if any further information is needed.
Unit Four