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Cover Letters

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Sign cover letter in blue ink (signals an original signature) Use Business letter format ... Sincerely, (4 spaces for your signature) Julie Delp. Enclosure: Resume ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Cover Letters


1
Cover Letters
  • Career Network Center
  • Metropolitan Community College

2
What is a cover letter?
  • Sales pitch to a perspective employer
  • aim is to stand out to to the employer
  • place to match your skills with position
  • window into your personality
  • answers the question why should I hire you?
  • expands on the resume
  • request an interview

3
Guidelines for writing a cover letter
  • Always mail a cover letter with a resume
  • Paper and envelope should match the resume
  • Address cover letter to an individual
  • Do not restate your resume
  • Answer skills and qualifications asked for in the
    posting

4
Guidelines (contd)
  • Use proper English
  • Use action verbs
  • Provide all requested information
  • Be honest and factual
  • Sign cover letter in blue ink (signals an
    original signature)
  • Use Business letter format

5
Guidelines (contd)
  • PROOF!
  • PROOF!
  • PROOF!

6
AVOID THE FOLLOWING
  • Comparisons, abbreviations and slang
  • Using I to start sentences
  • Form letters (much better to personalize)
  • Amusing anecdotes
  • Personal photos and other personal info
  • Spelling and grammar errors
  • Messy corrections
  • Handwriting the envelope

7
Structure
  • Structure
  • of the
  • Cover Letter

8
Tone and Presentation
  • Use a positive writing style
  • Project confidence and energy
  • Use a business-like, but cordial tone
  • Use business letter format
  • line up every line at the left margin
  • double space between paragraphs

9
Heading
  • Place your return address at the top of the
    letter, preferably to use the same heading as the
    resume
  • Julie Delp
  • 123 Lynwood Avenue
  • Smith, NE 68555
  • (555) 555 - 5555

10
Address and Salutation
  • Address each cover letter to a specific person
    (call if you need to)
  • Use title and surname to address the person, not
    their first name
  • Terry Lang
  • Supervisor of Communications
  • XYZ Corporation
  • Smith, NE 68555
  • Dear Mr. Lang

11
First Paragraph
  • State the position for which you are applying
  • Reference where or how you heard about the
    position
  • Provide a brief statement about what you can
    offer them
  • Convey a genuine interest in the position

12
Second Paragraph
  • Highlight and detail your qualifications
  • Highlight one or two accomplishments that make
    you the ideal candidate
  • Idea is to demonstrate what you can do for the
    company
  • Emphasize any special skills, education, and
    training

13
Final Paragraph
  • Request action
  • Ask for an interview
  • Suggest a time
  • Let them know you will call to make an
    appointment (be sure to follow through)
  • Thank them for their time

14
Signature
  • Use the term Sincerely
  • Sign letter, preferably in blue ink
  • Sincerely,
  • (4 spaces for your signature)
  • Julie Delp
  • Enclosure Resume
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