Cover Letter tips and samples

Ideally, you should make your initial contact with a prospective employer by way of a letter of application, with your résumé enclosed. It is generally more effective to do a little research and tailor your inquiry for the specific position than to send out “blanket” inquiries or letters of application.

Your cover letter should be brief, but it should catch the interest of the prospective employer. Make points by demonstrating that you have investigated the golf facility and know something about it. Explain how the experience or training you have listed in your résumé would be beneficial in the job for which you are applying.

The key to a good cover letter is tailoring it exactly to what is wanted. Read the ad carefully to discern the screening criteria (years of experience, degree, etc.). Then write your letter explaining how you exactly meet that criteria. Frame your response in the most positive way possible. Repeat the words used in the ad to show you know exactly what’s involved.

If the ad requests salary information, it’s usually better not to provide it. If your answer doesn’t match their unstated criteria, you may be eliminated — even if you’re close. Occasionally, though, an ad will say, “No applications considered unless salary history is included.” In this case, you can provide a range.

Tips: Do and Don’t

DO:

• Specify the official title of the position for which you are applying. Employers report that it is surprising how many letters of application omit this important information.
• Be brief and straightforward.
• Make sure you have spelled the prospective employer’s name correctly and that the title you have given is accurate. If necessary, call to verify this information.
• Use the pronoun “I.” A substitute is often awkward.
• Indicate that your résumé is attached.
• Make it clear that you are available for a personal interview.
• Include an address and phone number where you can be reached.
• Keep a copy of your cover letter and other pertinent information close to the telephone for easy referral when a prospective employer calls.

DON’T:

• Exceed one page.
• Put the letter on your current employer’s letterhead.
• Restate your résumé or fill the letter with details you couldn’t fit into the résumé, but would like to mention.
• Mention salary (unless requested).
• Sound apologetic, negative or overly grateful.