Cover Letter – Before Interview: Referral Letter

January 1, 2006

John Dunmire Clever
35322 Oak Place
Pinehurst, NC 28374

Dear Mr. Clever:

_________(NAME) recommended that I forward my resume to you concerning a ____________(TITLE) position with your company. Although currently employed as ____________(TITLE) at ____________(COMPANY), I am pursuing my long-time goal: a career in the ____________(FIELD) industry.

I offer ____________(COMPANY) a unique background of successful experience in sales and science, with natural relationship building and selling skills and an innate fascination for science as related to ____________(ITEM). My __(NUMBER)-year track record is characterized by consistent bottom-line contributions, exceeding sales quota, and pro-active problem solving initiatives.

I am familiar with and impressed by your company's selling and marketing strategies and I would welcome the opportunity to join your team and increase sales by leveraging:

Communication, negotiation, and closing skills Ð I generated $__(NUMBER) million in sales for ____________(COMPANY)'s merchants in a year.
Ability to build trust and rapport instantly Ð I penetrated challenging territory, signing __(NUMBER) merchants in __(NUMBER) months, exceeding quota of __(NUMBER).
Customer service and client retention skills Ð __(NUMBER)% customer satisfaction rate. Handle full sales and customer service cycle.
Tenacity, determination, and follow-through Ð commended by vendors/partners for persistence, leading to contracts.
Entrepreneurial, self-motivated mentality Ð launched direct-marketing initiatives. Pursued clients through networking presentations, cold calling, and account-management efforts.
Energy and enthusiasm about product benefits to clients.

Please note that I am fluent in Spanish and willing to travel or relocate.

A personal meeting would be a great way for us to discuss your sales challenges and the benefits I can bring to ____________(COMPANY). I can make myself available at your convenience and will call you next week to schedule an appointment.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Glen Hill
86038 Ceder Street
Seattle, WA 98136

Dear Mr. Hill:

It's been almost _______________(NUMBER) years since we attended _______________(INSTITUTION). I hope things are going well for you. Since that time, I've been considering a move into the _______________(FIELD) field. The industry is on the upswing now, and I am confident that my skills and experience can be put to good use in a company committed to carving its niche in the marketplace.

If you are in search of a strong candidate for a senior-level position with your corporate staff, you may want to take a moment to consider my credentials. My background in _______________(FIELD), coupled with significant contributions in the _______________(FIELD) area, may well be of interest to you.

Next week, I'd like to call and set up an appointment with you. By then, after you've read my resume, I think you'll see that I would make a valuable addition to _______________(COMPANY).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Lynn Cordova
24610 Embarcadero Circle
Shawsville, VA 24162

Dear Ms. Cordova:
As you suggested, I am enclosing several copies of my resume. My objective is to find a/an _______________(TITLE) position in a company where my skills and qualifications can contribute to the company's profit and growth. If any appropriate opportunities arise where you feel someone could use a manager of my caliber, I would appreciate any referrals you might be able to give me.
I am a self-starter, looking to join a firm that needs the most knowledgeable, versatile, and innovative workforce in the industry. That describes your firm to the letter. Your company is also known to provide its employees with the opportunity to continue learning and growing both as an employee and as a person.

I would like an opportunity to personally discuss the position with you. I'll plan on calling you within the next week to arrange an appointment.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Maria Farris
58002 Sacramento Ave.
Apt. 142
Alexandria, OH 45440-0195

Dear Ms. Farris:
_______________(NAME) suggested that I write to you regarding a position as a/an _______________(TITLE) at _______________ (COMPANY). _______________(NAME) made this suggestion because he/she knows of my long-standing interest in _______________(FIELD).
I am an individual who critically values collaboration, recognition of individual and team contributions, new ideas, and dedication to "best practices" in all areas of expertise. I am an experienced professional looking for an environment filled with challenges and opportunities.

In closing, I am interested in interviewing with you or one of your associates. I can be reached most days and evenings at my home phone number, _______________(PHONE/E-MAIL), to arrange for an interview at a mutually convenient time.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Susan Mitchell
1753 Sacramento Ave.
Suite 115
South Easton, DE 19720-1295

Dear Ms. Mitchell:
I ran into _______________(NAME) the other day and he/she mentioned that your firm is looking for people who are smart, ambitious, outgoing, and interested in a wide spectrum of opportunities. Your atmosphere is said to be stimulating, cutting-edge, fast-paced, and exciting. I can't imagine a better description of an ideal place to work.
After many years in the _______________(FIELD) field, I have decided that a career change is due in order to use my interpersonal skills to their fullest potential. I offer a potential employer the ability to manage, build and quickly understand business. I have experience, intelligence, the capacity to understand essential elements of corporate structure, and the willingness to work hard.

I will be available any time to visit _______________(LOCATION) to more fully discuss with you my career possibilities with _______________(COMPANY). I will call you the morning of _______________(DATE) to follow-up this letter.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Delores Hayworth
96750 Seawind Blvd.
Philidelphia, MN 55446-0396

Dear Ms. Hayworth:
_______________(NAME) recently told me at a meeting of the _______________(DEPARTMENT) that you are continuing your search for a new affiliate. Enclosed you will find a copy of my resume for your review.
I consider myself a professional in the field and would like to work for a company with professional goals and standards. I have demonstrated success in advancing rapid growth and generating substantial profits in both turnaround and start-up environments. I am both detail-minded and perceptive, and can identify or correct problems impeding organizational progress and performance.

I'd like to meet with you more formally to discuss with you how my background and qualifications will help _______________(COMPANY) continue to be a leader in the field of _______________(FIELD). If we have not spoken before then, I will call you on _______________(DATE).

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Greg Wilke
27043 Acher Ave.
Suite 354
Houston, RI 02886

Dear Mr. Wilke:

_______________(NAME) suggested that I contact you regarding a possible opening with your firm as a/an _______________(TITLE).
_______________(COMPANY) has carefully developed a working environment that empowers intelligent, hardworking visionaries with significant degrees of professional and personal freedom. My background includes _______________(ACCOMPLISHMENT). I share your commitment to success and I thrive on challenge. I believe _______________(COMPANY) is the place for me and I'd like the opportunity to demonstrate why.

I'm sending you my resume with this letter. I will call next week to see if you have any preliminary questions and to schedule an interview if you think it is appropriate.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Joan Beagle
93002 Polaris Road
Beaverscreek, AZ 85375-0496

Dear Ms. Beagle:
_______________(NAME) recommended that I contact you about a possible _______________(TITLE) position with your company. Please accept this resume in application for this position.
A quick glance at my resume should offer proof of my skills in _______________(SKILL) and _______________(SKILL). You'll see that I've had a number of opportunities to use these abilities to _______________(SKILL). I would welcome the chance to put them to good use with _______________(COMPANY).
Please call at your earliest convenience. If we do not speak before then, I will call you the afternoon of _______________(DATE) to discuss setting up a meeting time for a personal interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

John Dunmire Clever
35322 Oak Place
Pinehurst, NC 28374

Dear Mr. Clever:
_______________(NAME) spoke with me yesterday and suggested that I contact you. I am actively seeking new employment. _______________(NAME) told me that you might be aware of potential opportunities with _______________(COMPANY).
A quick glance at my resume should offer proof of my skills in _______________(SKILL) and _______________(SKILL). You'll see that I've had a number of opportunities to use these abilities to _______________(SKILL). As a/an _______________(TITLE) with over _______________(NUMBER) years of experience in the _______________(FIELD) field, I believe that I could be of tremendous value to you in _______________(ACTIVITY). From my observations of the company, I feel that my contributions with respect to _______________(ACTIVITY) could enhance _______________(ITEM).

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss this potential with you and to mutually explore the contributions I might make to your firm.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Vincent Janus
73894 Hellman Drive
Baltimore, MD 21209

Dear mr. Janus:
Challenge...Opportunity...Achievement! These are three strong concepts, which have led me to your company. I am interested in applying for a _______________(TITLE) position and would like to express a sincere interest in finding our more about becoming an integral part of your company.

I am currently working in the _______________(DEPARTMENT) of _______________(COMPANY). I have had the opportunity here to acquire many new skills and gain experience in all aspects of _______________(ACTIVITY). For some time now, I have been drawn to the _______________(FIELD) field and would welcome the new challenges and opportunities it would bring.

Again thank you for your time and attention. There is no doubt in my mind that working for _______________(COMPANY) would be a rewarding challenge Ñ the type of challenge I know that I can meet successfully. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Claudia Adams
63181 Evans Lane
Beaverscreek, AZ 85375-0496

Dear Ms. Adams:
I am writing at the suggestion of _______________(NAME). He/She suggested I contact you because there may be a match between the talents I have developed as a/an _______________(TITLE) and your needs. Let me tell you about some of my achievements with my current employer.
After _______________(NUMBER) years in the _______________(FIELD) field, I have developed a solid reputation for upholding high ethical standards and realizing corporate goals and objectives. I am known as a start-up, turn-around, and growth management professional possessing a proven and verifiable record for attaining challenging profit objectives through effective mass-merchandising, sales/marketing, and management proficiency. Previous employers can attest to the fact that I am an effective, versatile manager who has earned respect of superiors and subordinates for results and motivation skills.

May I suggest that we meet further to discuss your requirements? I believe that I am uniquely suited to your company and have the knowledge and skills you need in an employee.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure

January 1, 2006

Glen Hill
86038 Ceder Street
Seattle, WA 98136

Dear Mr. Hill:

__________(NAME) suggested I write and include my resume for your consideration. I have ___(NUMBER) years' experience in __________(FIELD) with the last ___(NUMBER) years as a __________(TITLE). I have successfully established and maintained strong customer relationships and managed portfolios valued in the millions. In addition to my resume, please also consider the following personal characteristics and qualities:

¤ Highly self-motivated with strong work ethic and proven ability to succeed.
¤ Demonstrated record of progressive responsibilities and promotions.
¤ Strong customer relationship management, establishing and strengthening customer loyalty.
¤ Proficient customer service and teaming skills, complemented with effective negotiations, creative solutions, successful conflict resolution and design of win-win resolutions.
¤ Strong financial background with investment licenses in __________(ACTIVITY), __________(ACTIVITY), and __________(ACTIVITY).

I work well in a fast-paced environment where changing priorities and market conditions are the norm. I strive to maintain top-performance and am driven to succeed. I work well with people and make significant contributions as both a team player and as an individual contributor. I would enjoy using my skills at __________(COMPANY).

Thank you for taking time to review my resume. I will contact you later in the week to confirm receipt, answer any questions you may have and to discuss the possibility of a meeting.

Sincerely,

Drew Sterling

Enclosure