Analysis of an example cover-letter. (1)

 
     There are many way to write a cover-letter, if you scan all the examples in the job-hunting literature.  Here is one (other) way: 
     The parts of a cover-letter.  There are eight parts in a cover-letter.  What you write inside your cover-letter reflects your uniqueness, but the overall structure is the same: 
       (1) Greetings. 
       (2) Summary of request. 
       (3) Why I am good for this job. 
       (4) Past job experience. 
       (5) Past problem-solving, and successes. 
       (6) What I will do for you, if I am hired. 
       (7) Summary. 
       (8) Invitation to call me for an interview. 
 
     Here is an example cover letter, written by “Claire” (Class 2002, [Auditors], Zhong Yang Min Zu Da Xue, Beijing).  Look at the example here, as well as the many Internet examples available, to get a better idea of what cover-letters look like.  Do not rush, and take the time to see what other people are doing.  Discuss these (other) resumes with your friends, and your teachers. 
 
     Example Cover-Letter. 
 
       Room # xxx 
       Block # xxx 
       Building # xxx 
       Xxx University 
              Chao Yang District 
       Beijing, 100101 
       P. R. China 
       May 17, 2004
Mr. Zhou Hong Jun 
President 
Xxx Company 
77, Bei Hai Road 
Qingdao 
Shandong Province, 246097 
P. R. China 
 
 
Dear Mr. Zhou 
 
     I am writing to apply for a position as business secretary at Xxx Company, beginning immediately. 
 
     As a recent college graduate, I am well-trained in the English language, and understand the workings of the latest computer software.  I am a hard worker, and honest in everything I do.  In short, I believe my character is ideally suited to this position. 
 
     Between June and August, 2003, I worked as a translator at the ABC Company.  There, I translated documents and gathered immigration information for my boss.  In the process, I learned about the operation of a busy, effective office.  In addition, between May and August, 2002, I did freelance translation at home.  Here, I learned how to work independently, and to do my work on time. 
 
     I consider myself to be very effective at problem-solving.  For example, one day at the ABC Company, a very angry customer came into our office and started shouting.  Taking the initiative, I sat him down, talked through the problem, and solved the immediate crisis.  For this, I was praised by the company. 
 
     I have also been successful at work.  Every year, for the past six years, I have successfully organized the “class party” for a class of 50 students.  I am also the class monitor, and as such, often solve class problems. 
 
     If I am hired, I will effectively keep pace with the development of the company.  In particular, I will maintain strict confidentiality in all the company’s affairs, provide top service, and use creative problem-solving strategies wherever they are needed. 
 
     In summary, I believe I am the best person for this position, on account of my team spirit, and my patient devotion to the work, and my office organizational skills. 
 
     I look forward to the pleasure of an interview at your earliest convenience. 
 
     Sincerely, 
 
 
     Claire Han (signed, by hand) 
 
 
     Claire Han (typed) 
     Here is the letter again, with the “sub-divisions” added: 
 
 
      
       (Your address  --------->) 
       Room # xxx
       Block # xxx 
       Building # xxx 
       Xxx University 
              Chao Yang District 
       Beijing, 100101 
       P. R. China 
       May 17, 2004 
       (Date  --------------------->) 
 
       (<---------------------- Their address) 
Mr. Zhou Hong Jun 
President 
Xxx Company 
77, Bei Hai Road 
Qingdao 
Shandong Province, 246097 
P. R. China 
 
(Part #1–Greetings.) 
Dear Mr. Zhou         (<------------------------ Salutation) 
 
(Part #2–Summary of request.) 
     I am writing to apply for a position as business secretary at Xxx Company, beginning immediately. 
 
(Part #3–Why I am good for this job.) 
     As a recent college graduate, I am well-trained in the English language, and understand the workings of the latest computer software.  I am a hard worker, and honest in everything I do.  In short, I believe my character is ideally suited to this position. 
 
(Part #4–Past job experience.) 
     Between June and August, 2003, I worked as a translator at the ABC Company.  There, I translated documents and gathered immigration information for my boss.  In the process, I learned about the operation of a busy, effective office.  In addition, between May and August, 2002, I did freelance translation at home.  Here, I learned how to work independently, and to do my work on time. 
 
(Part #5–Past problem-solving and successes.) 
     I consider myself to be very effective at problem-solving.  For example, one day at the ABC Company, a very angry customer came into our office and started shouting.  Taking the initiative, I sat him down, talked through the problem, and solved the immediate crisis.  For this, I was praised by the company. 
 
(Part #5, cont.) 
     I have also been successful at work.  Every year, for the past six years, I have successfully organized the “class party” for a class of 50 students.  I am also the class monitor, and as such, often solve class problems. 
 
(Part #6–What I will do for you, if I am hired.) 
     If I am hired, I will effectively keep pace with the development of the company.  In particular, I will maintain strict confidentiality in all the company’s affairs, provide top service, and use creative problem-solving strategies wherever they are needed. 
 
(Part #7–Summary.) 
     In summary, I believe I am the best person for this position, on account of my team spirit, and my patient devotion to the work, and my office organizational skills. 
 
(Part #8–Invitation to call me for an interview.) 
     I look forward to the pleasure of an interview at your earliest convenience. 
 
     Sincerely,               (<------------------  Closing) 
 
 
     Claire Han              (<------------------  Signed, by hand) 
 
 
     Claire Han              (<------------------  Typed)