cover letter issues

All cover letters should:

Explain why you are sending a resume.
Don't send a resume without a cover letter. 
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

Convince the reader to look at your resume.
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.

Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

Indicate what you will do to follow-up.

In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."

In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)."  Then mark your calendar to make the call.

Top Cover Letter Mistakes

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettertips/qt/cover-letter-mistakes.htm

Email Subject Line Examples

• Managing Director Position
• Job Code 1234: District Sales Manager - Your Name
• Communications Assistant Position - Your Name
• Application for Customer Service Job
• Social Media Expert Seeking New Opportunity
• Meeting Follow Up - Your Name
• Meeting Request - Your Name
• Referred by Name
• ABC College Informational Interview Request

General Salutations for Cover Letters

• Dear Hiring Manager
• To Whom It May Concern
• Dear Human Resources Manager
• Dear Sir or Madam
• Dear Company Name Recruiter

Cover Letter Salutation Examples

• Dear Mr. Jones
• Dear Ms. Jones
• Dear Jane Doe
• Dear Dr. Haven

Sample Targeted Cover Letter for a Resume

This cover letter takes the position requirements and matches the applicant's skills to those requirements. This way, the resume reviewer can see the candidate's relevant qualifications at a glance.

Date
Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ. My resume is enclosed for your review. Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would appreciate your consideration for this job opening. My skills are an ideal match for this position.

Your Requirements:

• Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities, including managing registration, solving customer problems, dealing with risk management and emergencies, enforcement of department policies.
• Assists with hiring, training, and management of staff. Coordinate statistics and inventory.
• Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are also preferred.
• Valid Minnesota driver's license with good driving record. Ability to travel to different sites required.
• Experience in collegiate programming and management.

My Qualifications:

• Register students for courses, design and manage program software, solve customer problems, enforce department policies, and serve as a contact for students, faculty, and staff.
• Hiring, training, scheduling and management of staff, managing supply inventory, and ordering.
• Minnesota driver's license with NTSA defensive driving certification.
• Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience. Again, thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Your Signature (for hard copy letter)
Your Typed Name