COVER LETTERS

Unless you hand-deliver your rsum to the person who will actually be doing the hiring, you MUST
include a cover letter. The letter should be typed and laser-printed on the same type and color paper as
your rsum, in business letter format. A cover letter should be 3 or 4 paragraphs only. Do not just
reiterate your rsum. Instead, focus on several key areas and go into detail, including what you did, what
you learned, and what you accomplished. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific company
and/or job that you are applying for. Research the company or include sentences that correspond to job
duties or qualifications from the posted job description.
Never address your letter To Whom it May Concern unless you do not care if you dont get the job. If
the employer is local, phone and request the name of the person who is responsible for hiring entry-level
professionals in your area. Be certain to get the name and title (and correct spelling). Include the title of
the person to whom you are writing in your inside address and envelope address.
Whenever possible, avoid sending your letter to the personnel department as they generally do not have
hiring power only the power to screen you out. Check the Internet or book directories to find names of
people to contact.
Your opening statement should state the purpose of your letter (your objective). Mention a name if you
have permission (e.g., John Smith recommended I contact you). You should also mention how you
heard about the job and why it interests you.
In your next paragraph, stress any particular strengths you have which qualify you for the job. It can be
effective to expand on one or two experiences listed in your rsum, but do not repeat information word
for word.
In your closing paragraph (number three or four) indicate your desire for a personal interview, repeat your
phone number, and offer any assistance to help in a speedy response. It is also a good idea to follow up
each rsum and cover letter with a phone call. If you plan to do this, you can state in the final paragraph
when you will be calling the company.

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!

Your Name
Your Address, etc. info
(use same format as you did on your rsum)

Date
Potential Employer's Name
Company Name
Company Address
Dear Mr. (Employer):

Use a colon unless you have

a previous relationshipthen
a comma is fine

State the reason for the letter

Position or type of work for which you are applying
Indicate where you learned of the opening (friend, newspaper, Career Services, etc.)
Why you are interested in this particular position and company (what you know about the
company)
This section should take
1-2 paragraphs max.

State what you can do for the employer

If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified
candidate
If you have practical work experience, point out the specific achievements or qualifications
Try not to repeat the information on the rsum; rather, detail a couple of main points (what you
did, what you learned, what you accomplished)
Look at the job description for the keywords/skills theyre seeking and highlight those here
Refer to the enclosed rsum, which summarizes your qualifications, training, and experiences
(NOTE: cover letter should be 3 OR 4 paragraphs longno longer!)
State the action you would like to see happen (i.e.: an interview)
Indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place
Include your phone number again
Offer assistance to help them respond quickly (e.g.: state that you will be in the area on a certain
date and would like to set up an interview if you will)
Thank them for their consideration/time and state that you look forward to hearing from them
Sincerely,
(don't forget to signon electronic copies, use a jpg of your signature!)
Your name

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!

EXAMPLE 1: Entry-Level BS Chemist

December 14, 2011

Dr. Joe Barlow

Corporate Recruitment
Research Laboratories
Eli Lilly and Company
Indianapolis IN 46285
Dear Dr. Barlow:
I am writing in response to the Eli Lilly report in the CPC Annual. In May 2012, I will be
graduating from the College of William and Mary with a bachelors degree in Chemistry.
I plan to pursue a career as a Synthetic Research Chemist after graduation. Eli Lillys
commitment to developing pharmaceuticals that help people live longer, healthier, and
more active lives is a great fit with my career values.
Through participating in undergraduate organometallic synthetic research for the past
18 months, I have developed and improved valuable laboratory skills. The goals of my
research project include optimizing reaction conditions and purification methods for
each of the 4 steps in synthesizing the unreported ligand,4-cyanobenzo-18-crown-6,
and its rhodium complex. Im studying binding and extraction constants for the ligand
and complex as well as behavior changes at the rhodium center by UVvis and NMR
spectroscopy. Last January, I presented this work at the Virginia Academy of Sciences
in Blacksburg. Next month, I will present current results at the National Conference of
Undergraduate Research in Kalamazoo, Michigan. My final results will be summarized
in my honors thesis.
I look forward to the opportunity to interview for a position with Eli Lilly and will call you
next week to confirm receipt of my rsum. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Lee
Thomas E. Lee

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!

EXAMPLE 2: BS Chemical Engineer with experience

Sarah Smith
62 Bishop Allen Drive, Apt #5
Cambridge, MA 02139
[email protected]
649-869-7542

September 18, 2011

Mr. Douglas Reedier
Director of Human Resources
Colgate-Palmolive Company
300 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Dear Mr. Reedier:
I am writing to apply for a full-time Chemical Engineering position at Colgate-Palmolive. As a senior in
Chemical Engineering at the University of Pollyville graduating in May 2012, I am very interested in the
development of consumer products and have read a great deal about your excellent company and
outstanding products. I welcome the opportunity to bring my research and engineering skills to ColgatePalmolives products.
As you can see from my attached resume, I developed my research and engineering skills through
several internships and academic projects. During my internship at Procter & Gamble, I developed all
aspects of a prototype for a newly conceptualized oral care product. By the end of my project, I was able
to hand out samples of the product. My supervisors commended me for my communication and creative
problem solving skills and for my ability to work well with many different people within our development
team.
I developed my leadership and interpersonal skills by being an active member of several organizations on
the University of Pollyville campus. As president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, I am in
charge of planning meetings, fundraisers, activities, and our annual departmental banquet. While Service
Chair for Lambda Sigma, the sophomore honor society, I organized service activities and motivated
members to participate in the service events.
I look forward to learning more about career opportunities at Colgate-Palmolive. If you have any
questions, please contact me at 649-869-7542or [email protected]. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,

Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!

EXAMPLE 3: BS Chemist/Chemical Engineering Seeking an Internship

JOHN RICHARDS
College Address:60 Sola Circle, Isabell, SD 57633, 605-225-1789, [email protected]
Permanent Address: 13605 North 12th Way, Kanfer, NM 12333, 553-123-4558
March 1, 2012
Ronald A. Smith, Ph.D.
Director of Environmental Analysis
Charlton National Laboratory
Charlton, MN 43567
Dear Dr. Smith:
As a junior at the University of Isabell majoring in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, I am
looking for practical chemical job experience. The UI's Career Services staff told me of your
excellent internship program and I am very interested in your summer 2012 position.
My chemical engineering background ties in closely with the research of your division. As a
Chemical Engineer I am interested in conducting tests to analyze the environmental effects of
different chemical contaminants. The research your organization has done on water, plant and
animal tissue, and soil samples is also of interest to me, as both a chemist and an engineer.
As my grades show, I am an excellent student capable of understanding new ideas and concepts.
I possess the qualities of a good lab worker because I am cautious but confident in my work, and
not afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed. I am a hard worker and am able to
successfully complete tasks that I start. I have the aptitude to learn all I can about
environmental analytical chemistry. The experience of working with professional chemists will
greatly enhance my knowledge, techniques, and understanding.
If chosen for an internship, I would adapt quickly to the operations of the laboratory support
group. I am willing to work closely with other team members to ensure that projects run well. I
would like the opportunity to learn from and work with other chemists who will allow me to
contribute my share of the work. I enjoy conducting analyses, and will take the initiative when
confronted with a problem to see that it is solved.
Thank you for reading this letter and the attached resume. I hope that you will consider me for
this position; I will be pleased to interview at your convenience. If I can provide any further
information, please contact me at 605-225-1789 or [email protected].
Sincerely,

John Richards
John Richards

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!

EXAMPLE 3: PhD Chemist

March 23, 2012
Dr. James Swanson
Personnel Recruitment Manager
XYZ Laboratories
1234 Flower Street
Cincinnati OH 45201
Dear Dr. Swanson:
I expect to receive my doctorate degree in Analytical Chemistry in June 2012, and am writing to
explore the possibility of employment as an Analytical Chemist at your Cincinnati location.
XYZ Laboratories has always demonstrated a commitment to quality and innovative research, as
well as innovative instrumentation, and I am excited at the prospect of being part of your team.
During my coursework at Simpson State University, I began to consider future employment with
XYZ Laboratories. We used many of your instruments in our laboratory research, and I found
their design, precision, and reliability impressive. I'm well qualified for a job with your
organizationwith the confidence, maturity, judgment, and references to back up my
qualifications.
In addition, I have had the great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at several universities
throughout the country and to present at numerous conferences, as show on my rsum. I
noticed that collaboration and public speaking are both skills extremely important to this position
and I look forward to utilizing these skills further.
The enclosed rsum provides details about my work experience and background. I would
appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my education and experience can
benefit your laboratories. I'll call within a week to discuss the possibility of an interview. Thank
you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

Amy Amers
Amy Amers

Remember: the purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and to personalize your rsum!