For 13 years, Marcia Robinson has coached, written and trained on career, workplace, employment, human resources and entrepreneurship issues. She has a MBA with emphasis in Strategic HR Management and career management experience in Higher Education, Technology and Hospitality. Send her questions through the ASK Us at TheHBCUCareerCenter.com.
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A cover letter is a simple job search document that can help a teen land a summer job in a competitive job market. Teens who are planning for summer jobs should know that hiring managers, even in the days of online applications, will still be impressed with a well written cover letter and a resume. Teens should know that cover letters do not have to be complex. All the cover letter really needs to do is express interest the summer job, show availability and give some details of job skills.
Below is a very simple cover letter template for a teen that is looking for a part time job now or planning to get a summer job this summer. Writing this simple cover letter will go a long way in making a teen a more attractive job applicant.
Your Name
Your current address
City, State, Zip Code
Date
Hiring Manager's Name (Research this. Stop by or call a store and just ask the name of the manager
The Manager's job title (eg. Assistant Manager, Store Manager, Branch Manager)
Name of the Company
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Ms or Mr (hiring person's full name):
1st Paragraph of cover letter
Tell the hiring manager in this paragraph of your cover letter why you are writing this letter; name the job or position for which you are applying. Write about how you found out about summer job or what you know about the company. Tell the manager what other documents you are attaching to the cover letter such as job application or resume. Tell them if you applied online.
2nd Paragraph of cover letter
Tell the manager in the cover letter what job skills you have to offer and why the employer should want to hire you. Relate those skills to the employers needs. Write about why you are interested in the employer, location or type of work.
3rd Paragraph of cover letter
Tell the employer in your cover letter about your availability. eg "I am available every day from 4p to 7p to meet with you for an interview. Please call me at (insert your phone number) to schedule the interview or let me know if I need anything else to complete my application." Express your gratitude for their time in this paragraph.
Sincerely,
(Your handwritten signature)
Type Your Name
