Cover LettersCover Letters

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter

Tips on Writing a Cover Letter

11

Use the letter to sell yourself The cover letter’s job is to get the employer to look at your resume and invite you for an interview.

Use the letter to make any important points form your resume that you want to clarify or expand.

Use the letter to sell yourself The cover letter’s job is to get the employer to look at your resume and invite you for an interview.

Use the letter to make any important points form your resume that you want to clarify or expand.

22

Keep the letter to one page. In about 3-4 paragraphs of 3-5 sentences each, describe how you can help the employer.

Keep the letter to one page. In about 3-4 paragraphs of 3-5 sentences each, describe how you can help the employer.

22

Paragraph 1 The opening: It states your purpose

Paragraph 2 The sales pitch: It describes your experience and education

Paragraph 3 The closing: It asks for an interview

Paragraph 1 The opening: It states your purpose

Paragraph 2 The sales pitch: It describes your experience and education

Paragraph 3 The closing: It asks for an interview

33

Say why you are writing In the first paragraph, tell the reason you are writing. Relate the letter to the specific job.

Say why you are writing In the first paragraph, tell the reason you are writing. Relate the letter to the specific job.

44

Make a connection with the employer.

Do research to learn about the company and its service or product before you write the letter.

Develop points of interest between you and the company.

Make a connection with the employer.

Do research to learn about the company and its service or product before you write the letter.

Develop points of interest between you and the company.

55

Emphasize how you can meet the needs of the position.

The most important thing to an employer is whether you can fit the needs of the job.

Emphasize how you can meet the needs of the position.

The most important thing to an employer is whether you can fit the needs of the job.

Be positive in what you say

Be positive in what you say

Refrain from using weak verbs Tried, hoped, attempted, etc… Example: I attempted to attract customers.

Just like your “objective” in your resume, be specific when describing your qualifications and experience.

Refrain from using weak verbs Tried, hoped, attempted, etc… Example: I attempted to attract customers.

Just like your “objective” in your resume, be specific when describing your qualifications and experience.

77

Avoid “I” statements. Overusing the word “I” leaves an impression of arrogance.

Eliminate as many “I’s” as possible.

Avoid “I” statements. Overusing the word “I” leaves an impression of arrogance.

Eliminate as many “I’s” as possible.

Steps…Steps…

1st step: Heading Make it similar to your heading on your resume

1st step: Heading Make it similar to your heading on your resume

Steps…Steps…

2nd Step: Who are you writing to? Address your letter to a specific person

Ideally the person who will interview you

Also, do not forget to use salutations. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Etc…

2nd Step: Who are you writing to? Address your letter to a specific person

Ideally the person who will interview you

Also, do not forget to use salutations. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Etc…

Steps…Steps…

3rd step: Take time to construct your 1st paragraph Get the reader’s attention Include why you are writing and how you heard of the opening.

3rd step: Take time to construct your 1st paragraph Get the reader’s attention Include why you are writing and how you heard of the opening.

Example of a GOOD 1st sentence

Example of a GOOD 1st sentence

I believe that my knowledge of public relations and my proven communication and leadership skills make me a strong candidate for the position of Media Relations Coordinator that was posted by the Delta Airlines Job Opportunities Program.

I believe that my knowledge of public relations and my proven communication and leadership skills make me a strong candidate for the position of Media Relations Coordinator that was posted by the Delta Airlines Job Opportunities Program.

Steps…Steps…

4th step: Body paragraphs Take time making sure you include all of your most relevant skills using key words and well constructed sentences.

4th step: Body paragraphs Take time making sure you include all of your most relevant skills using key words and well constructed sentences.

Steps…Steps…

5th step: Conclusion Conclude the letter by asking for a personal interview

Be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview

Be specific about how the interviewer should contact you

Include a thank you

5th step: Conclusion Conclude the letter by asking for a personal interview

Be flexible regarding a date and time for the interview

Be specific about how the interviewer should contact you

Include a thank you

Steps…Steps…

Last step: Proofread Have someone proofread your cover letter

Also, make the cover letter on the same paper as your resume. They should look similar. Lastly, mail your letter using a wide, full-size envelope minimize creases and folding lines.

Last step: Proofread Have someone proofread your cover letter

Also, make the cover letter on the same paper as your resume. They should look similar. Lastly, mail your letter using a wide, full-size envelope minimize creases and folding lines.

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