Chapter 6

Cover Letter Phrases to Use for Special Situations

ARE YOU A RECENT COLLEGE GRAD, looking for your first job or internship? Are you looking to get back into the job market after some time at home? Are you trying to overcome being fired or laid off? Or are you simply motivated to get that next big opportunity?

Almost every job seeker perceives his situation as special, involving unique circumstances and challenges. In reality, your situation may not be so unusual, and you should find inspiration from the sample phrases in this section.

Phrases for Introductory Paragraphs

No matter what your situation, you want to begin your cover letter by alluding to your strengths and stating why you are capable of fulfilling the role for which you're applying. The following samples can help everyone from those who have been in the workforce for decades to those who are just starting out.

As a candidate with decades of experience or an employment history at only one company, you have the opportunity to highlight a variety of accomplishments while demonstrating a serious interest in your industry. Use it to your advantage. Here are some phrases you might include in your introductory paragraph.

illustration All Employment at One Company (Materials Manager)

Described with great pride on the attached resume, during the past eighteen years I have progressed rapidly in positions of responsibility at This Hospital. As the supervisor of patient transportation, manager of warehousing/distribution, and within my current position as senior buyer and manager of inventory control, I have met budgetary goals and provided efficient and mission-driven services.

illustration Fifty-Plus-Years-Old Job Candidate (Product Manager)

Are you and your colleagues in need of a motivated professional with comprehensive product management experience spanning decades? I would like to continue my achievement-filled career with Any Corporation as a full-time, part-time, or contract-based employee. Through this letter, the attached resumes, and ideally an interview, I can present my qualifications for your consideration.

This sample shows how you might present your candidacy for a job within the company where you're currently employed. Be sure to outline key achievements to date.

illustration Application for In-House Position (District Supervisor)

In support of my candidacy for the management job posting for District Supervisor, I present my resume and this memo, summarizing my experience with Any Gas Company and other employers in the gas distribution industry.

When your job has consisted of managing the details of life at home for an extended period of time, your cover letter needs to focus on your experience outside the home. It's essential to communicate your enthusiasm and motivation to continue your career and make a positive contribution to the company.

illustration At-Home Parent Re-Entering the Work Force (Graphic Designer)

I would like to meet to discuss freelance assignments or a part-time position in Graphic Design or Production. During this meeting, I can show you my portfolio and discuss how excited I am to continue my career within an industry that is for me a professional passion.

illustration Displaced Homemaker (Administrator)

I am highly motivated and qualified to serve within an Administrative position at Any Corporation. Detailed on my resume, I offer extensive and varied experience in administrative roles in both employment and community service.

How will you take your experience and apply it to a job in a different field? These sample phrases show how candidates have communicated their intent to potential employers.

illustration Career Changer (Advertising Assistant)

I would like to inquire about and ideally interview for a position at Any Advertising Agency. Detailed on the attached resume, I have over eight years' experience in promotion, communications, and administration. Now, it is with great focus and enthusiasm that I seek to contribute as an Assistant supporting client services, traffic, or media planning activities.

illustration Career Changer (Marketing Executive)

As Any Corporation's Dealer Representative, I will utilize my thorough knowledge of boating as well as sales, marketing, and communication skills to inspire those who sell your products, educate salespersons, and promote product lines directly to consumers. As a semiprofessional sailboat racer, I am very familiar with the Any Corporation line.

illustration Career Changer (Product and Services Developer)

Currently, I am seeking a career change and opportunity to associate with a progressive bank, where I can effectively apply my creative and innovative talents and capability for developing or increasing and successfully marketing new service products. During the past eight years, I have served as vice president and director of operations of an ever-expanding, quality-driven, function and recreation complex. In these capacities I had total responsibility for creating effective sales programs and assuring the quality of services provided. Last year, we exceeded our goals by 150 percent and grossed more than $1.4 million in sales. Our increased business resulted from an aggressive marketing effort targeting local businesses.

illustration Former Small Business Owner (Environmental Advocate)

The article in the May edition of Save Our Earth was impressive. In fact, the article and the mission and offerings of Any Environmental, as dynamically presented on your website, have inspired me to seek employment with your agency. Do you currently have an opening for an Environmental Advocate, Public Relations or Volunteer Coordinator, Researcher, or Lobbyist?

As a freelancer, you must show some knowledge of and proficiency in the position for which you are applying. These two samples clearly inform potential employers why the candidates should be considered for work.

illustration Freelancer (Editor and Writer)

I am a Freelance Editor and Writer of educational and reference materials targeting college students and adults. Books and articles written or edited to date have been in the areas of careers, self-help, and parenting. Recently, I identified titles by Any Publishing Company that reveal your interest in targeting similar topics and readers as those cited above. Therefore, I would like to learn more about your Freelance Writing and Editorial needs and acquisition process.

illustration Freelancer (Production Assistant)

I would like to apply for the Production Assistant position advertised. on the www.pa.com website and in the Miami Herald. While the attached resume reveals an extensive list of experiences in all aspects of video production, including positions as writer, researcher, director, and editor, only through an interview can you determine if I have what it takes to transform your vision into day-to-day production realities.

If you're a recent grad, your goal in writing a cover letter is to highlight your course work and internships as they relate to the position. You can begin by mentioning a mutual connection who recommended you apply for the position or by stating what type of job it is that you hope to find. Consider the following wording in these introductory paragraphs.

illustration Recent Graduate (Assistant to Museum Director)

During my undergraduate years, I sought to learn within the classroom and beyond. I did so via specific courses and, most important, through practical internships and training. Now, I seek an opportunity to put my newly developed skills and knowledge to use in a position at Any Museum. Perhaps I can do so as an Assistant to the curator or within patron relations, education, or fundraising roles?

illustration Recent Graduate (Legal Assistant)

Justice Ellen Malone of the Allentown Courthouse suggested that I contact you regarding an opening you may soon have for a Legal Assistant. Judge Malone is aware of my desire to find a challenging paralegal-, legal research-, and administrative-focused position, and she encouraged me to immediately seek consideration to join you and your associates at Any Firm.

illustration Recent Graduate (Set Designer)

Lynne Winchester recently indicated that you may have an opening for a Set Designer and suggested that I contact you. I am seeking a position involving stage design for television, theater, and video productions.

If your educational background isn't your strong point, don't worry. Take this opportunity to showcase what real-life experience you have. If you display familiarity with and success in a certain area, it's difficult for a potential employer to overlook that.

illustration Weak Educational Background (Parking Supervisor)

Described on my resume, I am currently the Parking Supervisor for the Parkinson Hotel and Conference Center. This position was a rapid promotion to management after only one year of service as a parking attendant. As supervisor of parking facilities, I oversee all financial collections, maintain customer service standards, resolve problems, and manage a large staff of hourly workers. I also administer work schedules, evaluate performance, coordinate payroll matters, assign duties, and interface with hotel management. While I am so very proud of my achievements to date in an area that requires practical knowledge and experience, I do wish to find expanded challenges and rewards.

Perhaps you've been laid off or fired. Perhaps your employment history has a few holes. The key to writing an effective cover letter in these situations is to convince your potential employer of your trustworthiness, dedication, and focus. Call their attention to your references, and state your desire to follow a particular career path. Consider the following sample phrases.

illustration Fired/Laid Off (Recruiter)

Attached is a copy of my resume, a list of professional achievements, as well as letters of recommendation written by colleagues, clients, and candidates with whom I've worked. I trust that these documents will convince you that I am worthy of an interview and, after you have had the opportunity to evaluate my candidacy, that I could soon become a strong member of the Any Executive Search Firm team.

illustration Gaps in Employment History (Assistant Curator)

I am seeking a position blending museum and gallery experience as well as a keen interest and academic background in fine art. Ideally that will be as your Assistant Curator. Detailed on the attached resume, I have completed two extensive internships for successful galleries in Alabama. In each position, I contributed to all aspects of operations, including artist relations, sales, show planning and implementation, and administrative duties. Responsibilities and accomplishments included assisting customers, setting up displays, and completing mailings for exhibitions.

illustration No Clear Career Path (Accounting)

I am now actively seeking a career-focused position in Accounting that will utilize my experience in both financial management and customer service, as well as my strong academic background. While researching area firms, I learned of Any Accounting's training and development program. This opportunity seems an ideal way to begin and build an accomplishment-filled career with your firm, and a long-term career is exactly what I seek.

illustration Part-Time Employment History (Store Manager)

I would very much like to join the Any Retail Chain's management team. A very strong and clear sense of career focus, previous retail experience, knowledge of your stores and target markets, and a desire for a full-time management position have prompted me to forward the attached resume.

If you've been working in the military or overseas, you need to show how your experience relates to the position for which you're applying. What about your experience makes you an asset to the team you want to join? By linking your current experience to the duties of the job you want, you'll convince employers that your unique background will serve them well.

illustration Military Background (Transportation Operator)

Seven of the past twelve years were spent with the United States Army in transportation-related roles and assignments. Since completion of military services I have worked within sales positions. Now, I am very interested in resuming a civilian career in Transportation Operations or in the sale of products or equipment allied to the transportation field. All pertinent experiences are detailed on the attached resume.

illustration Overseas Employment History (Marketing Assistant)

Anticipating relocation home to the United States, I am now actively seeking a Marketing Assistant position with Any Corporation. As you review the attached vita, I trust you will conclude that I can effectively contribute to an international, service-oriented organization dedicated, as your mission states, “to expanding international commerce through effective state of the art and traditional marketing strategies.” I understand you currently have a number of international clients and anticipate landing new accounts with multinational firms.

Phrases for Motivational and Qualification Paragraphs

This is the part of your cover letter where you need to sell yourself. Tell your potential future employer what you bring to the table. Imagine being asked the question, “What do you have to offer?” Answer it in these paragraphs.

illustration All Employment at One Company (Materials Manager)

Most recently, I have been able to reduce the expenditures of all in-house medical and nonmedical supplies substantially each year through cost-effective negotiations, purchasing, and control. I also played a key role in automating inventories and providing a functional layout for warehouse locations that reduced the selection and distribution process for warehoused materials. This also enabled me to provide more stringent controls, reducing shrinkage, damage, and obsolescence — common problems in the healthcare field. Estimated costs and savings are cited on the resume.

illustration Application for In-House Position (District Supervisor)

As you know, these positions required the ability to provide technical support, retain personnel, supervise outside contractors, and work with developers and public officials during the joint work programs and projects. My performance reviews during my tenure at Any Gas have all been above average and my current supervisor, Kelly Stevens, has offered to support my desire for this promotion.

As reflected in all past reviews and training evaluations, I have the technical capability to work with and direct company and contractor personnel on all phases of gas distribution systems, from new construction to replacement and operation. Previous accomplishments with Any Gas indicate my strong communication skills and my ability to work with people at all levels of responsibility, including those who would report to and interact with a District Supervisor.

illustration At-Home Parent Reentering the Work Force (Graphic Designer)

Professionally, I offer more than seven years' experience in production and traffic areas of Print and Graphic Design and in related fields, including fundraising and direct- and mass-mailings. After a three-year hiatus, with my family well established, I am highly motivated to return to the workforce and contribute to the growth of Any Advertising Agency. In addition to my resume and portfolio, excellent references do support my candidacy.

illustration Career Changer (Advertising Assistant)

As owner of a successful and profitable housecleaning service for four years, I designed and wrote all promotional materials, including direct-mail coupons. Immediately after my first promotional campaign, the volume of business tripled, resulting in my hiring and overseeing six people. In addition to supervising employees, I completed all administrative and budgetary tasks, which entailed handling calls, scheduling, billing, record keeping, ordering supplies, and customer relations. Now, having just sold the business, I am seeking a position in advertising.

illustration Career Changer (Marketing Executive)

A career change that will involve a transition from a successful management career to a marketing, promotions, and consumer relations career is most desired. I am confident that my business and boating background will ensure that I have favorable impact on sales, image and continued growth.

illustration Career Changer (Product and Services Developer)

As I will share personally, if you grant me the opportunity to interview for a client services, loan officer, or marketing position, I am adept at making business-to-business contacts, at creating and utilizing promotional advertising and marketing programs, and making effective presentations.

illustration Displaced Homemaker (Administrator)

I offer Any Corporation:

illustration 50-Plus-Years-Old Job Candidate (Product Manager)

Past experience has provided me many opportunities to implement profitable Product Management strategies including those associated with pricing, production, distribution, as well as advertising for existing and new products. Specifically, for pharmaceutical and food products, I have been involved in all aspects of product/protocol development and management to obtain FDA product approval. As a Product Manager for Estrade, Inc., I coordinate all product development for a medical supply corporation with annual sales in excess of $400 million. Prior, I served in similar capacities for Vita Thirst, the manufacturer of healthful drink products. My product designs, production planning, and marketing techniques have been recognized as consistently innovative and, most important, profitable. Over the years, every product I have been associated with met or exceeded annual profit goals.

illustration Fired/Laid Off (Recruiter)

As detailed on my resume, recruiting skills and accomplishments were nurtured over seven years while recruiting high technology, support staff, and marketing personnel. Much of this experience involved extensive travel, training program development, and networking prospective clients. In addition to a record of success and a well-earned reputation, I possess valuable contacts within the management information systems, software development, and engineering industries that would prove valuable to Any Firm's client base.

illustration Gaps in Employment History (Assistant Curator)

Academically and personally, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, have participated in several related seminars, and I have had occasion to visit many of the world's great museums. I am a frequent visitor to the Any Museum and a member of Friends of Any Museum, so I am familiar with your mission, target patronage, and educational and outreach efforts.

illustration Former Small Business Owner (Environmental Advocate)

As described on my resume, and revealed through the annual report also attached, I have a passion for environmental concerns and practical experiences in all of the above areas. For the past four years, I have been operating an entrepreneurial venture, Recycling Renegades. I successfully acquired the first recycling permit in Cambridge, MA, for ferrous and nonferrous metal, aluminum, high-grade paper, and plastic. As owner and manager, I conducted research, developed pilot programs, formulated networks for voluntary recycling, picked up and processed materials, and distributed proceeds to community associations. While my motives were altruistic, my accomplishments proved profitable as well.

illustration Freelancer (Editor and Writer)

The attached resume details my projects to date, as well as my academic background, early experiences as an editorial assistant, and current status as a part-time English instructor. Whether editing or writing textbook materials, teacher workbooks, or ancillary activities and worksheets, I can tailor the content, tone and approach to a variety of purposes and audiences.

illustration Freelancer (Production Assistant)

Summarizing, personal and professional qualities I possess include:

illustration Military Background (Transportation Operator)

Key points on this document and those I would like to discuss during an interview include:.

illustration No Clear Career Path (Accounting)

To this program and your firm, I would bring the following:

illustration Overseas Employment History (Marketing Assistant)

Summarizing some of the points I would like to share via phone discussions and in-person interviews, I offer Any Corporation:

illustration Recent Graduate (Assistant to Museum Director)

As my resume indicates, I recently participated in a program for art history majors at the Louvre. This involved studying European art and attending seminars on museum operations. Prior, I worked for two summers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a Museum Assistant at the information booth.

illustration Recent Graduate (English Teacher)

Supporting special education offerings, I learned of IEPs and district approaches to inclusion. I was proud to assist students with learning disabilities, as well as those who needed assistance with physical disabilities. I used lesson planning, instructional as well as tutorial talents gained in classrooms and other settings. Throughout my undergraduate years I participated in a volunteer literacy program, tutoring both youth and adults struggling with reading difficulties. The skills and perspectives gained as a student teacher and tutor will be foundations upon which I will build a successful teaching career.

illustration Recent Graduate (Legal Assistant)

Described in great detail on the attached resume, I have worked in a variety of legal settings throughout college. Currently, I am a volunteer for Temple's Student Legal Aid, supporting the efforts of law students helping undergraduates and community members with legal problems. I worked part time over the past three years as a peer probation mentor for the Allentown, PA, juvenile court. In addition to these experiences, last summer I served as a research assistant for the Chief County Clerk of Allentown, when I met Judge Malone.

illustration Recent Graduate (Set Designer)

As noted on my resume, I graduated recently from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and a concentration in Studio Art. Courses in modern drama, music and sound in theatre, set creation and design, intermediate painting, and wood-working all contributed to the skills I possess, and focused my aspirations toward Stage Design. As a an undergraduate, I designed and helped create props for numerous campus productions, including The Tempest and Marco Polo Sings a Solo, and I developed many story-boards and set design presentations.

Phrases for Closing Paragraphs

This is your chance to request an interview, reinforce your interest in the job, and quickly summarize why you're a great candidate. Whether you've been working for thirty years, just graduated from college, or never even went to college, your closing statement will generally convey the same thought — you are competent, your interest in the job is serious, you appreciate the company's consideration, and you look forward to future communication.

illustration All Employment at One Company (Materials Manager)

Past achievements within one organization prove my professional competencies and potential to succeed in new roles at Any Hospital. As your healthcare operations grow, since the acquisition of several local HMOs, I know that Materials Management issues will become crucial. Please, let's discuss how I might help link growth with efficiency.

illustration Application for in-House Position (District Supervisor)

I feel professionally and personally ready to handle the challenges of the District Supervisor position. During an interview I can confidently yet objectively share these qualifications with you and others involved in the selection process. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my candidacy. Thank you for your consideration.

illustration Career Changer (Advertising Assistant)

I hope we will have the chance to discuss current or future opportunities during an interview. If no positions are available or anticipated, any referrals to other agencies would be welcomed.

illustration Career Changer (Marketing Executive)

I do hope that I will have the chance to soon present my qualifications and motivations in person. Please, do not hesitate to e-mail or call to arrange a meeting. And, I have asked some of my boating colleagues to contact you regarding their views of my potential.

illustration Career Changer (Product and Services Developer)

I would welcome your thoughts regarding where I might best contribute to Any Bank. I will call to confirm receipt of this note, to clarify next steps, and, I most sincerely hope, to arrange a brief meeting.

illustration Displaced Homemaker (Administrator)

If you are looking for someone with these skills, I hope you will give me the opportunity to speak with you. During a telephone conversation and, ideally, a meeting I can expand upon the above bullets and personalize my candidacy. A resume and cover letter can reveal a great deal, but in-person communication is, I believe, best.

illustration Fifty-Plus-Years-Old Job Candidate (Product Manager)

I would appreciate your consideration and look forward to speaking with you, with Sam Smith, or others you deem appropriate regarding how I might best contribute to Any Corporation, as you continue to work on the development of your new healthy snack line. I will call to discuss your thoughts regarding my candidacy.

illustration Fired/Laid Off (Recruiter)

Ideally, you and I could meet soon, whenever mutually convenient. I will call to confirm receipt of this fax and to discuss your reactions to my request for an interview. In advance, thank you for your consideration.

illustration Former Small Business Owner (Environmental Advocate)

I wish to utilize skills gained via this venture, and as an undergraduate environmental engineering major, at Any Environmental Agency. Will you be attending the environmental affairs conference in New York City? If we haven't connected by phone, e-mail, or in person prior, perhaps we can meet at the conference.

illustration Freelancer (Editor and Writer)

Could I speak to you about working on some of your projects as either Editor or Author? Attached is a piece written for an online newsletter as well as a brief note written by Kerry Williams, an editor at Textbook Company. I hope, these documents reveal the potential I possess to contribute to Any Publishing Company's efforts. Of course, I can provide additional writing samples and references, as needed.

illustration Freelancer (Production Assistant)

I've admired Any Production Company's work for some time and attended your screening of Silent Victims at the Miami Crime Awareness Convention last month. It would be wonderful if I could help on your next project, and future undertakings.

illustration Gaps in Employment History (Assistant Curator)

In addition to the targeted resume I have also provided a reference list of individuals familiar with my past experiences who can share views regarding my future potential. I would like to discuss full-time or part-time options. To date, whenever given the opportunity to work in an arts environment, I have succeeded. I hope I have that chance at Any Museum.

illustration Military Background (Transportation Operator)

Also, I am a trained professional, a graduate officer of the U.S. Army Transportation School, and I have completed my bachelor's degree. I would appreciate the opportunity to further describe my qualifications and the immediate and long-term contributions I could make to Any Corporation.

illustration Overseas Employment History (Marketing Assistant)

I will be in New York from February 14 through February 28 for a pre-relocation visit. Would it be possible to schedule an interview for that time? While I hope we will have had telephone and e-mail communications prior, it would be wonderful if we could meet during my upcoming visit. Of course, I am eligible to work in the United States and I anticipate paying all relocation expenses.

illustration Part-Time Employment History (Store Manager)

As my resume indicates, and as is the history of many who build successful careers, some of my Retail Management experience has been part time. I am now seeking a permanent position and the opportunity to build a career while I contribute to the growth of Any Retail Chain. Please allow me the opportunity to share how past experiences and accomplishments can predict future achievements via an interview.

illustration Recent Graduate (Assistant to Museum Director)

The eyes of a young visitor to your museum have grown into those of a diligent student, recent graduate, and hopeful candidate. While my heart still contains the enthusiasm and excitement I felt during early visits, my head is now is full of knowledge and career focus. Please grant me the opportunity to interview for and, someday, to become part of your staff. I will call to see if an in-person interview would be an appropriate next step.

illustration Recent Graduate (English Teacher)

Also attached are letters of recommendation and a favorite lesson plan. As you read these documents I hope you gain a sense of the teacher I wish to be. I know I can instill knowledge, inspire continued learning, and refine writing talents. I will call to confirm that I have completed all required steps and to inquire regarding the interview and selection process.

illustration Recent Graduate (Legal Assistant)

Prior to applying to law school in a few years, I wish to fine tune my knowledge of law and gain a greater sense of career focus and special interests. Ideally, I can do so at Any Firm. I will contact you within the week to further discuss the possibility of interviewing for this position.

illustration Recent Graduate (Set Designer)

Enclosed is a resume as well as some photographs of my work. Of course, I would like to show you my entire portfolio and discuss with you how I might contribute to Any Production Company's current and future projects. I have some great ideas for the sets of Trivia Tunes and Videos after Dark and hope to have the opportunity to discuss them with you.

illustration Weak Educational Background (Parking Supervisor)

With increased concerns about security has come increased focus on parking operations at facilities like Any Airport. I hope I have contacted you at a time when consideration can be given to a candidate who has proven by past experience that learning by doing is the best education. I would like to speak with you about current or future opportunities. Of course, references are available upon request. If you now utilize an outside vendor for parking operations, referrals to the proper person in that organization would be appreciated.