Professional Cover Letters

Writing cover letters can be one of the most daunting and difficult task job seekers are forced to do. Your cover letter isn’t just an introduction, it your first impression.

The document should be short and to the point, yet contain all the information necessary to get your foot in the door for that job interview. This is your time to shine! Brag about what you’re good at and passionate about, in reference to your career search. Be sure to include your personality but re-read and edit until it’s perfect.

It’s necessary to write or rewrite a cover letter for each position you are applying. This will show that your focus remains on the position while convincing the hiring team that you are the person they have been searching for.

Before you begin, it’s important to have your resume completed because you’ll be using it as a reference. You want the hiring administrator to be engaged and interested enough to keep reading. Remember, companies recieve hundreds of applicants who submit documentation with the same information they must read over and over. Your Cover Letter has to stand out so you aren’t rejected before given the chance to impress during an interview.

For those who are determined to write their own, here is a template/example that can be tailored made for just about any employment opportunity.

[Applicant Name]
Street Address
City, ST ZIP Code
Phone Number
Email Address

Month day, four digit year [July 11, 2017]

[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[Company name[
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

Your first paragraph should be engaging (not boring) while stating your claim (purpose of the letter). Example:

I am writing you today about the Physical Therapist Assistant position posted, personally referred, or classifieds. I’m in search of a long-term career and I’m asking for an opportunity to show you that I am the proficient individual you are seeking to join your team.

Research the company and say something that stands out yet relates directly with the business. Example: Company’s motto: “It’s your life. We help you live it.” You can share a personal experience and relate with the company:

Your company motto is a philosophy that I also hold dear. As an amateur athlete, I was injured and know firsthand the importance of receiving hands-on care from a knowledgeable staff who develops and implements treatment programs to help patients get back to their lives.

This is about your experience. This is information that’s under the “Employment” section of your resume. The difference from your resume is start with the oldest company first. Talk about one or two job duties that you are passionate about.

With seven years of progressive experience working in the field, I have set myself up for success as a Physical Therapy Assistant. With Company A, I have treated all age groups, including pediatrics. During my association with the Company B, I proudly cared for active duty military personnel. Passion inspired me to instruct and demonstrate home exercise programs and implement aquatic therapy for ROM and strengthening while employed with Company C. Working for Company D, I obtained skills to developed and instructed home exercise programs for patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Time to sum it up with a breakdown of your competencies:

With a can-do attitude, I communicate effectively, execute ideas, and I have a keen interest and passion for helping others working under the direction of Physical Therapists and staff members. I’m a fast learner with strong analytical skills, a self-starter, and work well on a team with minimal to no supervision. I understand responsibility, time management, and hold an intense work ethic. Taking initiative and striving to do my best in any situation has always been my career focus.

For the closing, it’s necessary to get to the point with no fluff. However; you must end with a short paragraph that’ll make them want to call you to schedule an interview:

I have demonstrated for my employers an exceptional facility for meeting organizational goals and demands. In addition to my skills, I am certain I will be an asset as your next team member. You may contact me anytime.

Thank you for your time,

First and Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address

Another option is to hire a professional writer to create the one page document that could land that dream job. It’s important to fill out the questionnaire in its entirety if this is the route you chose. Not only will this help the writer develop a better sense of who are, but accurately document your skills and abilities.