Writing a Cover Letter

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Writing a Cover Letter

• When you send your resume to a prospective
  employer, always send a cover letter to accompany
  it.
• Cover letters are designed to
• Identify the position for which youre applying
• Tell how your skills and talents will benefit the
  company
• Show why the employer should read your resume
• Ask for a job interview

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Components of a Cover Letter

• A cover letter contains 3 distinct sections
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

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Components of a Cover Letter

• Introduction
• Reference the specific position for which you are
  applying.
• Tell how or where you learned of the position.

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Components of a Cover Letter

• Body
• Explain why and how you are qualified for the
  position.
• Emphasize your education and work experience.
• Relate your education and experience to the
  position.

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Components

• Conclusion
• Remind the employer of your major qualifications
• Indicate when you plan to contact the employer
  for follow-up.
• Request an interview (in a professional manner).

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TIPS

• Write a separate cover letter each time you apply
  for a job.
• Address the letter to a specific person (name and
  title).
• Print or type letters on standard size, quality
  paper.
• Use proper sentence structure and correct
  spelling.

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TIPS

• Convey personal warmth and enthusiasm.
• Keep the letter short and to the point.
• Request an interview and tell when you plan to
  follow-up.
• Sign your name in black or blue ink.

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Target your letter

• When answering an advertisement
• When preparing an employer for an interview
• When following up after a phone call or interview

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Send it to someone by name

• Get the name of the person that will be hiring
  you, if at all possible.
• Tailor the letter.
• Then send in your letter and resume.

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Get It Right

• Make sure you have the correct name and address.
• Spell them correctly.

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BE CLEAR

• Be clear about what you want
• If you want an interview, ASK for it.
• Give reasons why the company should hire you.
• Be sure your letter targets the specific skills
  the employer is seeking.

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Be Friendly and Professional

• AT ALL TIMES

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Make It Look Good

• A standard business format is good for most
  letters.
• Use good quality paper and matching envelopes for
  the cover letter and resume.

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Follow Up

• Contact the employer directly.
• Do not expect letters alone to get you interviews.

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Emailed Cover Letters

• Follow the same guidelines as a paper cover
  letter except for the formatting.
• Create your e-mail message separately in your
  word-processing file, then copy and paste into
  the e-mail message area.

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Emailed Cover Letters

• An e-mail cover letter does not have to include
  the address of the person to whom you are
  writing, nor do you type the date.
• Start with the salutation and establish the
  correct tone. Ex Dear Mr. Smith, (not Hey
  Dennis!)
• Attach your resume as a Microsoft Word file.

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Emailed Cover Letters

• An e-mail address is often the first bit of
  information a recipient sees.
• Its important to choose an address wisely.
• What would happen if BADBOY, SEXYMAMA, HOOCHE, or
  BLONDLOVER appear?
• If you are not willing to change your email
  address, then set up a new account.

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Emailed Cover Letters

• The subject line of your e-mail message is
  important. It will help the recipient understand
  why you are writing, and later refresh his memory
  about who you are and what value you offer.
• Example
• Subject Jan Allen referralTop sales
  representative Mr. George Jones

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Mailing Cover Letters (with resume)

• The information on the envelope should match the
  information in your letter.
• Type it or print with a pen. Use permanent
  inkit wont smear if it gets wet.

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Mailing Cover Letters (with resume)

• The mailing address should be the same as the
  inside address in your letter.
• The return address should be the same as the one
  in the heading on your letter.

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Mailing Cover Letters (with resume)

• Example envelope
• -------------------- your name
• -------------------- your return address
• --------------------
  mailing
• --------------------
  address
• --------------------

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THE END

• Now you can practice writing cover letters!
• Any questions?