In order to devise a winning sales pitch for your letter, you need to understand what makes the company tick (its products, history, market standing, goals, challenges, mission statement, industry, clientele, corporate culture, etc.).
Good places to research company information include:
- The business section of your public library
- Business and financial magazines
- Business sections of newspapers
- Your prospective employer's company literature
- Your professional and personal network
Compile your company information into a company profile something like the following. (Of course, the contents of your format will depend upon what information you're able to gather.)
COMPANY PROFILE
Company's name: Westwood Running Shoes
Company's location: Los Angeles, California
Company's principal product: Running shoes
Company's other products: Socks, t-shirts, shoe laces, sports decals
Hiring manager for department I'm interested in: Mr. Alfred Jones, VP of Marketing
Company's annual revenue: $14 million
Customer demographics: 43% ages 18 and under, 35% ages 19-30, 17% ages 30-45, 5% ages 46 and over
Projected growth: $18 million in three years
Chief competitor: Anchor Line Shoes
Company promotional slogan: Westwood, for those in the fast lane
Product endorsement: Marathon champion, Fred Williams
Armed with information from your company profile, you'll be ready to craft a targeted cover letter for the job of your dreams.
See cover letter template
Browse sample cover letters
Ready-Made Cover Letters Software
Use of this Guide
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