Cover Letter	
Cover Letter (Page 1 and Examples)	
QUICK CHECK:
1. List the 3 goals of a cover letter.
2. List 3 situations for which you may or must 	
use a cover letter.  	
3. What 3 things does a cover letter show an 
 employer about you?
4. Write down 3 ideas from the Tips for Cover 	
Letters that you think are important.	
5. Why do you think it is important to write 	
straight when signing your name?	
6. For the job hunt 3-punch attack, describe what 	
is contained in paragraph #1, #2, and #3.	
7. a) What is meant by "Put cover letter in the bull's 	
eye of the paper? b)  Why use Print Preview?  	
 c) What do you do if cover letter is too high? 
8. Your assignment is to write a cover letter to Mr. 	
Lopez, Manager of the Home Store, asking for a 
job (sales clerk, stock clerk, cashier, warehouse 
clerk, office assistant, receptionist, carpenter, 
maintenance worker, groundskeeper, management 
trainee, or other.).  The address of the Home Store 
is on the application.  	
Cover letter is a one-page letter with three goals:  1) To introduce yourself to an employer.  2) To describe 
your skills and work experience; and 3) To ask the employer for an interview or a job.  When do you use 
a cover letter?  1) You may attach your cover letter when you give your resume to an employer
.  2) You 
must use a cover letter when you email your resume to an employer.  3) You must use a cover letter in the 
envelope with your resume when you apply for a job outside your city.  Like a resume, a cover letter will 
impress because it proves to an employer that you plan in advance, are 
organized, and really want the job.  
Tips for Cover Letters
•		Apply for a job title.  Do not ask for any job that is available.  	
•		Use a colon (:) not a comma (,) after the greeting — Dear Mr. Lopez:  	
•		List skill classes completed such as Computers, Business, Drafting, 
Wood Shop, Physics.   List classes that teach any special skills such as 
Debate, Creative Writing, Honors, or AP classes.	
•		If you speak a second language, you may include this skill in the cover 
letter and on the application.	
•		Be sure to include the job title of your work experience (such as cashi
er, crew member, or shift leader) 
and skills learned on the job (such as customer service skills or custo
mer relations, sales techniques, 
record keeping, food preparation, opening or closing store, stocking mer
chandise, order inventory).	
•		Sign your name in the middle of the space between "Sincerely" and 
your typed name.  Start under the 
"S" of "Sincerely."  Write straight!  Do not slant the end of your name up or down.	
When writing the cover letter, use the job hunt 3-punch attack:  Punch #1 paragraph:  State the job f
or 
which you are applying.  Punch #2 paragraph:  State your education, skil
ls, and experience.  Punch #3 
paragraph:  Say something positive about the company; then ask for the i
nterview or job.
Place the cover letter in the 	bull’s eye	 (exact center) of the paper.  	To do this	, fold your cover letter in half 	
from bottom to top, and side to side.  If the cover letter is placed cor
rectly, it will be in the bull's eye — 
there will be equal amounts of blank space on the top and bottom  — a
nd on each side (right and left).  Use 
word processing program’s 	"Print Preview"	 to see if your letter is placed correctly.  If your cover 	
letter is too high or low, add or delete empty lines above the street address to raise or lower i
t until perfect.

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 30, 2021
Mr. Parks
Careerville Movie Theaters
998 East Mall Lane
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. Parks:
I am interested in applying for a job as a ticket seller for the Careerv
ille Movie Theaters.
I am a senior at Valley High School.  I completed classes in Business and Computer Graphic
s.  In 
addition, I earned a Retail Sales Certificate and trained in cashier and sales techniques.  I have work 
experience at Del Taco as a crew member in food prep, cleaning, inventory, and customer service.  
I am a dependable person and can successfully work with different types of people.
I enjoy going to movies at the Careerville Movie Theaters and think that it would be an excellent place 
to work.  I hope you decide that you can use a worker with my skills and
 experience to join your team.  
Please call me for an interview.  My home phone number is (555) 464-5777.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures: 
Application	
Cover Letter High School Student MOVIE THEATER (Example)	
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times)
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 4 times — Sign your name in the space after "Sincerely" —
Start signing under the "S" or "i" and try not to slant up or down as you finish writing your name.
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times	
Use your home address and the current date	
If your cover letter is too high or too low, 
add or delete empty lines here.	
Tip: If you have NOT earned any 
certificate, leave out the sentence that 
starts with "In addition" and leave 
out "Certificate" in Enclosures.	
Use "Enclosure" (no "s") if you enclose only one item 
such as a resume in the envelope with the cover letter.	
Press return (enter) key 4 or 5 times

Cover Letter High School Student MOVIE THEATER (Example)	
3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 30, 2021
Mr. Parks
Careerville Drive-in Movie Theaters
998 East Mall Lane
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. Parks:
I am interested in applying for a job as a ticket seller for the Careerv
ille Movie Theaters.
I am a senior at Valley High School.  I completed classes in Business and Computer Graphic
s.  In 
addition, I earned a Retail Sales Certificate and trained in cashier and sales techniques.  I have work 
experience at Del Taco as a crew member in food prep, cleaning, inventory, and customer service.  
I am a dependable person and can successfully work with different types of people.
I enjoy going to movies at the Careerville Movie Theaters and think that it would be an excellent place 
to work.  I hope you decide that you can use an employee with my skills 
and experience to join your 
team.  Please call me for an interview.  My home phone number is (555) 464-5777.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures: 
Application
Resume
Retail Sales Certificate

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS 99001
September 2, 2021
Mr. Lopez
Home Store
1632  Business Ave.
Careerville, MS 99001
Dear Mr. Lopez:
I am interested in applying for a job as ________________for the Home St
ore.
I am a __________ at ___________High School.  I have completed classes i
n __________, 
__________, and __________.  In addition, I completed a job training cou
rse and earned   
___________________ Certificate and trained in _________ and ___________________.  
Also, I was a member of the school ________________________________ .  I
 have 
work experience at _______________ as __________________ and have traini
ng in  
______________and ______________.  I am a dependable person with good hu
man 
relation skills.
I think that the Home Store has outstanding products and customer servic
e.   I would be 
interested joining the Home Store team.  I hope you decide that you can 
use a worker with 
my skills and experience.  Please call me for an interview.  My home phone number is 
(xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume	
Cover Letter High School Student HOME STORE (Example)	
Press return (or enter) key 4 or 5 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 4 times  — Sign your name in the space after "Sincerely" — 
Start signing under the "S" or "i" and try not to slant up or down as you write your name.
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times	
Use your home address 
and the current date	
• No certificate earned?  Then, leave out the 
entire sentence!  And, leave out "Certificate" 
in Enclosures.
• No team sports or club?  Then, leave out the 
entire sentence!
• More than one paid job?  Then, expand the 
work experience sentence to include all jobs 
or use two sentences!
• No paid work experience?  Then, you may 
use volunteer work experience for the 
sentence.	
(customer service skills?)	
(tennis team, Student Government, or club?)	
(cashier?)	
(your job title)	(Name of business)	
(senior?)	
(a sales associate?)	
Use  skill classes such as Computers, Business, 
or Drafting.  Do not mention classes everyone 
must take such as Basic Math or English 
unless taught skills such as Debate, Creative 
Writing, Physics, Honors, or Advanced 
Placement classes. 	 	
If your cover letter is too high or too low, 
add or delete empty lines here.	
(a Retail Sales?)	
Use "Enclosure" (no "s") if you enclose only one item 
such as a resume in the envelope with the cover letter.

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS 99001
September 2, 2021
Mr. Lopez
Home Store
1632  Business Ave.
Careerville, MS 99001
Dear Mr. Lopez:
I am interested in applying for a job as ________________for the Home St
ore.
I am a senior at Careerville High School.  I have completed classes in _
_______________, 
__________, and __________.  In addition, I completed a job training cou
rse and earned   
___________________ Certificate and trained in _________ and ___________________.  
Also, I was a member of the school ________________________________ .  I
 have work 
experience at _______________ as a (an) _______________ and have been 
trained in  
______________and ______________.  I am a dependable person with good hu
man 
relation skills.
I think that the Home Store has outstanding products and customer servic
e.   I would be 
interested joining the Home Store team.  I hope you decide that you can 
use a worker with 
my skills and experience.  Please call me for an interview.  My home phone number is 
(xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume
Retail Sales Certificate	
Cover Letter High School Student HOME STORE (Example)	
Change this letter to fit your education, skills, and work experience

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 25, 2021
Mr. Smith, Manager
Careerville Toyota Car Dealership
600 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am interested in applying for a job as car cleaner and lot attendant a
t Careerville Toyota Car 
Dealership.
I will graduate from Careerville High School in June 2022.  I have compl
eted classes in
_____________, _____________, and ______________.  In addition, I earned
 a job training 
certificate in __________________.  Also, I have work experience at _______________ as a 
(an) _______________ and have training in ________________ and _______
_______.  I plan 
to attend Careerville Community College with a major in Auto Mechanics.  I am dependable 
person, produce quality work, and enjoy working with people.
I think that Careerville Toyota Car Dealership offers quality products and outstanding deals to 
customers. I would appreciate an opportunity to start a career with your
 company.  Please call 
me for an interview when you have a job opening.  I hope that you will d
ecide that you can 
use a worker with my skills and experience.  My phone number is (xxx) 
xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Samuel Johnson
Enclosures:   
Application
Resume
Small Engine Repair Certificate	 	
Cover Letter High School Student CAR DEALERSHIP (Example)	
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 time
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 4 times — Sign your name in the space after "Sincerely" — 
Start signing under the "S" or "i" and try not to slant up or down as you finish writing your name.
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times	
Use your home address 
and the current date	
• Earned a certificate?  Member of a sports 
team or club?  Then, add a sentence to 
paragraph #2!
• No paid work experience?  Then, you may 
use volunteer work experience for the 
sentence.
• Need something positive to say?  Trained 
in customer service skills (or customer 
relations) is always a plus!
• Supervisory skills?  Be sure to include job 
titles such as shift leader or new employee 
trainer.	
If your cover letter is too high or too 
low, add or delete empty lines here.	
Press return (or enter) key 4 times	
Use "Enclosure" (no "s") if you enclose only one item 
such as a resume in the envelope with the cover letter.	
(Automotive?)	(Drafting?)	(Metal Working?)	
Small Engine Repair?	(Restaurant?)	
Crew Member?	cleaning procedures?	customer service?

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 25, 2021
Mr. Smith, Manager
Careerville Toyota Car Dealership
600 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am interested in applying for a job as car cleaner and lot attendant a
t Careerville Toyota Car 
Dealership.
I will graduate from Careerville High School in June 2022.  I have compl
eted classes in
_____________, _____________, and ______________.  In addition, I earned
 a job training 
certificate in __________________.  Also, I have work experience at _______________ as a 
(an) _______________ and have training in ________________ and _______
_______.  I plan 
to attend Careerville Community College with a major in Auto Mechanics.  I am dependable 
person, produce quality work, and enjoy working with people.
I think that Careerville Toyota Car Dealership offers quality products and outstanding deals to 
customers. I would appreciate an opportunity to start a career with your
 company.  Please call 
me for an interview when you have a job opening.  I hope that you will d
ecide that you can 
use a worker with my skills and experience.  My phone number is (xxx) 
xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Samuel Johnson
Enclosures:   
Application
Resume
Small Engine Repair Certificate	 	
Cover Letter High School Student CAR DEALERSHIP (Example)
Change this letter to fit your education, skills, and work experience

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 24, 2021
Mr. McCarthy, Human Relations Department
Careerville First Federal Bank
4488 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. McCarthy:
I am interested in applying for a job as a management trainee at Careerv
ille First Federal 
Bank.
I am a graduate of  ___________High School and completed classes in ____
_________, 
______________, and _______________.  I completed a job training course 
and earned a 
(an) _______________ Certificate and trained in ___________ and _________________.  I 
was a member of the school ___________ for two years.  In addition, I wa
s treasurer of the 
Future Business Leaders of America for one year.  I will be a student at Careeville
Community College this fall with a major in ________________.  I have wo
rk experience
at _______________ as a (an) _______________ and have been trained in_
_____________ 
and ___________________.  I am a dependable person with human relation s
kills.
I think that Careerville First Federal Bank has quality financial products and services to
offer customers who value financial security and growth.  I would appreciate an opportunity 
to start a career with your company.  Please call me for an interview when you have a job 
opening.  I hope that you will decide that you can use a worker with my 
skills and
experience.  My phone number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume
Mircosoft Office Certificate	
Cover Letter High School Graduate BANK (Example)	
Press return (or enter) key 4
Press return key 2 times 
Press return key 2 time 
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times 
Press return key 4 times — Sign your name in the space after "Sincerely" — 
Start signing under the "S" or "i" and try not to slant up or down as you write your name.
Press return key 2 times (not 3)
Press return key 2 times 	
If your cover letter is too high or too low, 
add or delete empty lines here.	
(tennis team?)	
(Name of business)	(your job) title)	(sales skills?)	
(customer service skills?)	
• No certificate earned?  Then, leave 
out the entire sentence!  And, leave 
out "Certificate" in Enclosures.
• No team sports or club?  Then, leave 
out the entire sentence!
• More than one paid job?  Then, 
expand the work experience sentence 
to include all jobs or use two 
sentences!
• No paid work experience?  Then, you 
may use volunteer work experience 
for the sentence.	
Use  skill classes such as Computers, Business, 
or Drafting.  Do not mention classes everyone 
must take such as Basic Math or English 
unless taught skills such as Debate, Creative 
Writing, Physics, Honors, or Advanced 
Placement classes. 	
Use your home address 
and the current date	
Use "Enclosure" (no "s") if you enclose only one item 
such as a resume in the envelope with the cover letter.

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 24, 2021
Mr. McCarthy, Human Relations Department
Careerville First Federal Bank
4488 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Mr. McCarthy:
I am interested in applying for a job as a management trainee at Careerv
ille First Federal 
Bank.
I am a graduate of  ___________High School and completed classes in ____
_________, 
______________, and _______________.  I completed a job training course 
and earned a 
(an) _______________ Certificate and trained in ___________ and _________________.  I 
was a member of the school marching band for two years.  In addition, I 
was treasurer of the 
Future Business Leaders of America for one year.  I will be a student at Careeville 
Community College this fall with a major in ________________.  I have wo
rk experience 
at _______________ as a (an) _______________ and have been trained in_
_____________ 
and ___________________.  I am a dependable person with human relation s
kills.
I think that Careerville First Federal Bank has quality financial products and services to
offer customers who value financial security and growth.  I would appreciate an opportunity 
to start a career with your company.  Please call me for an interview when you have a job 
opening.  I hope that you will decide that you can use a worker with my 
skills and
experience.  My phone number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume
Mircosoft Office Certificate	
Cover Letter High School Graduate BANK (Example)	
Change this letter to fit your education, skills, and work experience

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 25, 2021
Human Resources Department
Careerville Community Hospital
300 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am interested in applying for a job as a medical receptionist at Caree
rville Community 
Hospital.
I am a graduate of  ___________High School and completed classes in ____
_________, 
______________, and _______________.  I completed a job training course 
and earned a 
(an) _____________ Certificate and trained in _____________ and ___________________.  
I was a member of the school ___________ for two years.  In addition, I 
was a volunteer 
aide at Careerville Assisted Living Center.  I will be a student at Careeville Community 
College this fall with a major in ________________.  I have work experie
nce at 
_______________ as a (an) _______________ and have been trained in____
__________ 
and ___________________.  I am a dependable person with human relation s
kills.
I think that Careerville Community Hospital has quality health care prog
rams and services 
to offer the community.  I would appreciate an opportunity to start a career with your 
hospital.  Please call me for an interview when you have a job opening. 
 I hope that you will 
decide that you can use a worker with my skills and experience on your t
eam.  My phone 
number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume
Medical Assistant Certificate	
Cover Letter High School Graduate HOSPITAL (Example)	
Press return (or enter) key 4 times
Press return key 2 times 
Press return key 2 time 
Press return key 2 times 
Press return key 2 times 
Press return key 4 times  — Sign your name in the space after "Sincerely" — 
Start signing under the "S" or "i" and try not to slant up or down as you write your name.
Press return key 2 times
Press return key 2 times 	
If your cover letter is too high or too low, 
add or delete empty lines here.	
(tennis team?)	
(Name of business)	(your job) title)	(sales skills?)	
(customer service skills?)	
• No certificate earned?  Then, leave 
out the entire sentence!  And, leave 
out "Certificate" in Enclosures.
• No team sports or club?  Then, leave 
out the entire sentence!
• More than one paid job?  Then, 
expand the work experience sentence 
to include all jobs or use two 
sentences!
• No paid work experience?  Then, you 
may use volunteer work experience 
for the sentence.	
Use  skill classes such as Computers, Business, 
or Drafting.  Do not mention classes everyone 
must take such as Basic Math or English 
unless taught skills such as Debate, Creative 
Writing, Physics, Honors, or Advanced 
Placement classes. 	
Use your home address 
and the current date	
Use "Enclosure" (no "s") if you enclose only one item 
such as a resume in the envelope with the cover letter.	
Medical Assistant?	(patient relations?)	(medical office procedures?)

3945 My Street
Careerville, MS  99001
September 25, 2021
Human Resources Department
Careerville Community Hospital
300 Civic Center Drive
Careerville, MS  99001
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am interested in applying for a job as a medical receptionist at Caree
rville Community 
Hospital.
I am a graduate of  ___________High School and completed classes in ____
_________, 
______________, and _______________.  I completed a job training course 
and earned a 
(an) _____________ Certificate and trained in _____________ and ___________________.  
I was a member of the school ___________ for two years.  In addition, I 
was a volunteer 
aide at Careerville Assisted Living Center.  I will be a student at Careeville Community 
College this fall with a major in ________________.  I have work experie
nce at 
_______________ as a (an) _______________ and have been trained in____
__________ 
and ___________________.  I am a dependable person with human relation s
kills.
I think that Careerville Community Hospital has quality health care prog
rams and services 
to offer the community.  I would appreciate an opportunity to start a career with your 
hospital.  Please call me for an interview when you have a job opening. 
 I hope that you will 
decide that you can use someone with my skills and experience on your te
am.  My phone 
number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sara Johnson
Enclosures:  
Application
Resume
Medical Assistant Certificate	
Cover Letter High School Graduate HOSPITAL (Example)	
Change this letter to fit your education, skills, and work experience