Lesson 2.6 Introduction to Cover Letters Answers

Use the job advertisement, the employer’s website, company reports or publications, professional networking contacts, and reliable industry or news sources. Gather the correct contact person’s name and title, the position’s duties and required qualifications, the organization’s products or services and goals, its workplace culture, and information that can help connect the applicant’s experience to the employer’s needs.

Cover letters are important because they introduce the applicant personally, explain how the applicant’s skills and experience match the employer’s needs, show interest and enthusiasm for the specific position, highlight qualifications that may not be obvious from the résumé, and demonstrate professional writing and communication skills.

The three formats are: a paragraph letter, which explains qualifications in paragraphs; a T-letter, which compares the employer’s requirements with the applicant’s matching experience; and a bullet letter, which uses bullets to emphasize specific skills and accomplishments.

Heading: gives the applicant’s and employer’s contact information and the date. Introduction: identifies the job and introduces the applicant. Argument: explains the applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Closing: thanks the employer, requests an interview, and provides a professional sign-off.

Use a professional 10- to 12-point font; keep the letter to one page; use standard margins of about one inch; left-align the text and use consistent formatting; include clear paragraph breaks and adequate white space; and proofread carefully for spelling, grammar, and typing errors.