How to use a Cover Letter example to Model your own Letter
Examples of cover letters that can be downloaded free from the internet are available on many websites but should be used wisely. Many of these letters are not formatted in exactly the way required and will need a substantial amount of input from you to make them acceptable.
- Examples of Types of Cover Letters that can be Downloaded
There are several types of cover letter samples that can be downloaded for free from various job search sites and websites. The most popular are: cover letters to send with applications, cover letters for accepting a job offer, cover letters for resigning from employment.
If you are using a sample cover letter you should make sure you read it properly and insert relevant information which will individualize your letter and make it personal to your own circumstances. The following example lists the type of ways your cover letter for a job application should be personalized.
- Cover Letter Sample to Send with a Job Application
Downloading a free cover letter example to send with a job application is a great first step. The cover letter format should be saved in your word processing package, Word for example, and then opened for editing.
Firstly look at the format of the letter, it should be simple with paragraphs that are justified to the left and a basic business typeface such as Times New Roman or Arial.
Your address and today's date should be inserted at the top right of your cover letter and, if you are using a window envelope to send your letter, you will need to insert the address of the company on the left hand side. Try printing a sample of your letter and fold it concertina style to make sure the company address fits neatly into your window envelope.
If your letter is being sent to an individual it should be clearly addressed to Dear Mr XX or Ms YY and you should remember that when sending a personalized letter you should always use the Yours sincerely form as a letter closure. If you are using the Dear Sir or Madam salutation you would generally close your letter with Yours faithfully.
You should then have an emboldened reference for your letter which would include the Job Title you are applying for and any Job References, together with your name for ease of employer reference.
Once you have ensured that all the address details, salutations and reference information on your cover letter is accurate you should move on to the body of your letter. Most examples of cover letters will have a standard format and it will be up to you to individualize this and make it appropriate to your job application. For example, a short paragraph detailing ways in which you are uniquely qualified for this job will stand out and entice employers and human resource professionals into reading your resume or CV with more attention and interest.
Finally, remember a cover letter should be brief and certainly no more than a page in length. Your resume or CV is your main sales point but your cover letter is the first step along the way.
