The AAA Cover Letter format

Whatever your need - travel plans, automobile coverage, insurance, financial assistant - AAA is at your service. Like AAA, your cover letter should let the customer (employer) know that you can fulfill their hiring needs, whatever they may be. So, let's break your cover letter down into three sections: A-Acknowledge, A-Attack, A-Action. Review the following sample to see what I mean:

Sally Snow
6 Noman's Way
Village, VT 08788

February 14th, XXXX

Ms. _____ Smith
Director of Human Resources
XYZ Company
1000 X Street
Village, NH 05404

Dear Ms. Smith
Paragraph 1: Acknowledge
1. Acknowledge the position you are applying for and how you found it: I am excited to apply for the Group Therapy Leader position that was recently posted on your internal web site.
2. Acknowledge that you've researched their company: I have always admired how Turing Key Services develops therapy plans that cater to the specific needs of each individual, and...
3. Acknowledge the skills you will bring to that position: I hope you will find that my relevant educational background, experience working with youth, and ability to multi-task make me a strong candidate for your Youth Services team.

Paragraph 2: Attack
1. Attack the first skill you mentioned above: Throughout my education in the Social Work program at XYZ University, I have taken many courses focused on adolescent development and communication. For example, in adolescent psychology, I participated in an e-pal mentoring program where I coached an at-risk middle school student through the social trials he was facing.
2. Attack the second skill you mentioned in the first paragraph: I have also gained experience working with youth as an intern at Youth and Family Services where I led weekly 'girl power' sessions focused on health self-development.
3. Attack the third skill you mentioned in the first paragraph: Whether at work or at school, I always put forth the highest amount of effort; I have maintained a 3.5 GPA while working 13 hours per week.

Paragraph 3: Action
1. Show that you are action-oriented by re-iterating your genuine excitement: Once again, I am genuinely excited to be considered for this leadership position.
2. Show that you are action-oriented by initiating contact: I can be reached at (000) 000-0000 to further discuss my qualifications or to schedule an interview.
3. Show that you are action-oriented by closing the deal with thanks: Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Sally Snow