Win Your Desired Job With Quality Cover Letter - Brought to you by JobsDB Hong Kong
 

Cover Letter

A successful cover letter should be specific and personal. It should be clean, neat laser copy, yet not mass generated. Each letter should refer to a specific person at a specific company and provide a specific next step that you will be taking.

A basic formula for cover letters is as follows:

  • Standard business letter format - prospect name, title, company, and address - top left.
  • Salutation (yes, it should be to a real person - take time to know who your target is).
  • 1st paragraph - state your objective(s), i.e. applying a specific position.
  • 2nd paragraph - state two or three top skills, then follow with benefit(s) that you will provide to the company.
  • 3rd paragraph - Give your target contact a specific action to take, i.e. contact you at his/her earliest convenience.

Use this checklist to ensure that your cover letter is complete:

  • One page only and limited to three targeted paragraphs
  • With full spell & grammar check twice
  • Written to someone specific, with the name and title spelled correctly
  • Company name and address are correct and complete
  • Three focused paragraphs (focused on the reader's needs, not yours)
  • Closes with "Sincerely,"- anything else can be too chummy
  • Includes a P.S. for emphasis
  • Final step: do not forget to follow up, or all the other steps will be in vain!

Sample Cover Letter:

[Your address]
[Your address]

[Date]

[Prospect Name]
[Prospect Title]
[Prospect Company]
[Prospect Address]
[Prospect Address]

Dear [Mr. / Ms. Prospect Name],

Re: Application For The Position of [xxx]

I am interested in applying for the above position, which was advertised on JobsDB.com on [Date]. My resume is attached for your review.

I have more than two years of accounting experience, including interning as an Auditor last year with the New York City office of Ernst & Young. I will be receiving my BBA this May from Illinois State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I am confident that my combination of practical work experience and solid educational experience has prepared me for making an immediate contribution to Big Public Accounting. Having interned with a leading firm in the public accounting field, I understand the level of professionalism and communication required for long-term success in the field. My background and professional approach to business will provide your office with a highly productive Auditor upon completion of your Development Program.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for this position in greater detail with you in person at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at [Your contact phone no.] and [Your email address].

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

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