The COVER Formula to Writing a Cover Letter (Part 4 of 4)

Writing the perfect cover letter doesn’t have to be an ordeal. In fact, it can be as easy as spelling C-O-V-E-R. COVER is an acronym for a five-step paragraph-by-paragraph approach you can use to write an effective cover letter. In this series of blog posts, I will show you how you can use the COVER formula and the announcement for the position for which you are applying as a handy guide to craft the perfect complement to your resume.

Step Five: REQUEST an interview in the fifth paragraph.

The R in the COVER formula stands for request. In the previous paragraphs, you made your sales pitch by giving specific examples of your relevant work experience and skills. In the final paragraph of your cover letter, it’s time to close the sale by requesting an interview. First, you’ll want to state how and when you will follow up with the person to whom you are writing to arrange an interview. Second, provide your own contact information in case the addressee is so impressed by your resume and cover letter he or she wants to call you first to arrange an interview. Last, by all means, you should thank the person who read your cover letter for his/her time and consideration. Here’s an example of how the final paragraph in your cover letter to ABC Consulting might read:

“I look forward to speaking with you in greater detail about how I can benefit ABC Consulting. I will follow up with you by phone in a few days to arrange an interview. Or, you can reach me at (555) 555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration.” 

Now, let’s see how each of the elements in the COVER formula come together.

Sample Letter

Please accept this cover letter and the enclosed resume in application for the Human Resources Assistant position with your company. I had an opportunity to visit your official website. [CONNECTION] Please accept this cover letter and the enclosed resume in application for the Human Resources Assistant position with your company. I had an opportunity to visit your official website. I understand from reading your most recent newsletter that the human resources department plans to transition from its current software system to the PeopleSoft HRIS next quarter. In my previous position, I helped train 20 people in my department on how to use PeopleSoft.

[OVERVIEW] Up until five years ago, I ran a small internet-based business from my home. A chance encounter at a friend’s dinner party changed my career path forever. It was there where a mutual friend introduced me to Jane Doe, then-Chair of the Board for the Society for Human Resource Management – Atlanta. Our conversation ignited a longstanding desire to work in the human resources field. [VOICE] I was excited to learn of this opening with ABC Consulting because of its ongoing partnership with local area charities including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, where I have been a volunteer for the past ten years. I was also impressed to read on your corporate blog that ABC Consulting has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Atlanta for a third consecutive year.

[EXAMPLES] In my present role at XYZ Company, I am intimately involved in every phase of our employees’ life cycle. I assist in the hiring process, including coordinating career fairs, creating job advertisements, screening resumes, and preparing offer letters. I conduct a two-day orientation and on boarding program to familiarize new hires with company benefits, policies, and procedures. I also maintain accurate payroll and personnel records for the 125 employees in our office. During a typical day, I interface with employees, all management levels, and outside agencies, as authorized, to answer personnel questions and furnish requested information.

[EXAMPLES] If extended an offer to join your company, I am prepared to make an immediate contribution in three ways. First, I have used the PeopleSoft software program for two years and have a high degree of proficiency. As ABC Consulting will be transitioning to this software in March, I can assist in training your employees on the system. Second, because I am comfortable speaking in front of any size group, I will be able to represent your company effectively in offsite recruiting events and succinctly convey information during new hire orientation. Last, my current position involves working on several projects at one time and generating reports under strict time deadlines. These tasks have enabled me to sharpen the kind of time management and prioritization skills that will be an asset to your company.

[REQUEST] I look forward to speaking with you in greater detail about how I can benefit ABC Consulting. I will follow up with you by phone in a few days to arrange an interview. Or, you can reach me at (555) 555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration.

CONCLUSION

The sample letter provided above is simply that…a sample. Use the COVER formula explained in this article as a guide to draft a cover letter that best expresses your personality, qualifications, and desire to land the interview for the job you want. The time you invest to research a potential employer and craft a carefully-worded cover letter will set you apart from your competition and pay dividends in the long run.

---

4N Learning Consultants provides comprehensive Learning & Development services. As your trusted instructional design partner, we will work closely with your team to provide original content for your sessions. We facilitate interactive in-person and virtual learning experiences for groups of all sizes, focusing on leadership development, talent management, and power (soft) skills. Use our end-to-end strategy consultation services for guidance on everything from alignment with strategic priorities to training program design, launch, and implementation. Finally, use our training program evaluation services to receive a detailed analysis of its strengths and opportunities and a blueprint with specific recommendations to help close gaps in employee performance. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.