ejana's Thinking About Career Correspondence
Cover Letter Sections

Why do I need a Cover Letter?
Why do I need a cover letter? The cover letter introduces you to the employer. It also influences the way the employer will read your resume. Therefore, the general rule should be to send a cover letter with every resume. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. The best way to find out if your employer would prefer a cover letter is to contact them directly and ask. Alternately, you can ask other people who work in your field whether a cover letter is expected.
When you are applying for a specific position, the cover letter is an excellent way to briefly explain how your skills, experiences or abilities meet the employer's needs. The following provides suggestions for what information to include in your cover letter. Use your own judgement. The research you have conducted about your field and about the employer will give you the best idea of how to best market your skills in your cover letter.
 
Introductory Paragraph
Think like the employer. The employer may have just read 50 different resumes for 3 different positions. So, let the employer know why you are writing, for what position you are applying for, and where you heard about the position. If you have networked, and found out about this position through your network, then let the employer know this.
Body
This section of the cover letter will likely take up 1-3 brief paragraphs. This is where the research you have done on the employer will really pay off because you will have found out what the employer's expectations are for this position. Provide a few key examples of how your previous skills, experience or abilities will enable you to do this job. Emphasize your strengths; don't bother mentioning any weaknesses. People often start statements with "Although I have little experience doing..." There is nothing wrong with being modest, however, employer's will likely figure out what haven't got; your goal is to let them know what you have got!
Conclusion
Conclude your letter with a statement letting the employer know that you would like to meet with them. In many situations, it will be useful for you to tell the employer when you plan to follow up.

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