EmPLOYmENT COmmUNICATION 95
Body
The body of the cover letter illustrates your suitability for the position in one or two paragraphs. Start body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and provide actual examples rather than vague statements. For instance, if one of the job requirements is experience
in customer relations, a good topic sentence might begin as follows
My two years experience as a customer relations representative at a busy department store has allowed me to use my positive attitude and tact in many challenging situations. More details could readily follow.
The body can also be a chance to highlight personal characteristics that may not be evident on a resume. It might refer to information you have learned through researching the organization. Always use actual words and phrases directly from the job posting to tip off the reader that you possess the qualifications necessary for the job. Doing so will encourage the reader to examine the attached resume. Because the cover letter is a prelude to the resume, it should not rehash its contents. Do, however, mention that the resume is attached in a body paragraph or the closing.
Closing
The final paragraph of the cover letter must accomplish several things. First, it must ask for an interview. Second, it must provide the best way to contact you for an interview. Avoid sounding too demanding when requesting an interview (
Call meat XXX-XXXX to setup an interview.) Couch the request in respectful and gracious phrasing. (
I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could benefit Indiana Insurance in an interview I am best reached after 3 PM at XXX-XXX-XXXX or anytime via email at yourname@aol�com.)
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