COVER LETTERSCOVER LETTERS

AN INTRO TO THE RESUMEPersonal Career Planning

Class

COVER LETTERS ARE COVER LETTERS ARE INCLUDED WITH RESUMES INCLUDED WITH RESUMES AND SENT TO PROSPECTIVE AND SENT TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS WITH THE EMPLOYERS WITH THE PURPOSE OFPURPOSE OF;;

Applying for a specific job .

Informing the prospective employer of your qualifications .

Selling yourself as the right person for that particular job

General Content of a General Content of a Cover LetterCover Letter

If you had previous communication with the person you are writing to, or other relevant contacts, mention them

Explain how you learned of and why you are interested in the employer and state the position you are seeking

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company in at least one sentence

Emphasize your qualifications Include a request for an interview

or tell them you look forward to seeing them soon

Include a courteous closing

General NotesGeneral Notes

Make sure you use 12 font and never go over one page

The paper should be the same as the resume paper

4 Paragraphs Always use a block format Make sure you sign the letter Date the letter You should send a cover letter in all situations

UNLESS the ad specifically states “resumes only” Never staple your resume and cover letter together Double space between paragraphs

WRITE A LETTER THAT WRITE A LETTER THAT WILL ACTUALLY GET WILL ACTUALLY GET READ! READ!

Keep your letter clear and to the point .

Sell them on the idea of granting you a job interview

Send an individualized letter, addressed directly to him or her

FIND OUT WHO HIRESFIND OUT WHO HIRES

To boost your chances of being hired, address the letter to the person who will hire you or the one who will be your supervisor-Department Head, Manager, etc.

Never address your letter “To Whom It May Concern” This will target your letter to the waste basket

How to Find Out Who How to Find Out Who HiresHires

Call your target employer and tell them you are conducting a job search and want to address a letter of inquiry to the person who supervises your area. Tell them you are a student and thank them

Go to the Human Resources Office and ask if there is an organizational chart you could use. This should provide you with the Department Head

Go online and look at their website

THE MAGIC FORMULA FOR THE MAGIC FORMULA FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL WRITING A SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTER...COVER LETTER...

Seize attention Perk interest Get down to

business Show your stuff Wrap it up

SEIZE ATTENTION-SEIZE ATTENTION-Paragraph 1Paragraph 1

In the very first paragraph of your letter, grab the employers’ interest by telling them why you are writing and give information to show interest

Name the job title or position for which you are applying and how you heard of it

You can “drop” names here

SEIZE ATTENTION SEIZE ATTENTION (EXAMPLE)(EXAMPLE)

. “I am interested in applying for the sales representative position recently advertised in The New York Times. The skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background support my strong interest in a sales career.”

PERK INTEREST-(PERK INTEREST-(2nd 2nd & 3rd Paragraphs& 3rd Paragraphs))

Whet the employers’ interest and create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. Tell why you are interested in in working for them.

Point out your skills/abilities/qualifications and achievements in each paragraph.

These are the 2 paragraphs to tell them what you think will get you the job

PERK INTEREST PERK INTEREST (EXAMPLE)(EXAMPLE)

. “As you will note from my enclosed resume, , I have majored in physics and have participated in significant research. This background, as well as several business courses, has prepared me to combine an interest in ……...”

Perk Interest Perk Interest Continued Continued

The second and third paragraphs should refer to highlights on your resume. Point out items that you are particularly proud of and elaborate

Make sure you highlight particular points on your resume that relate to the job

Each of these paragraphs should have a unique focus

(Perk Interest-(Perk Interest-EXAMPLE 2EXAMPLE 2))

“In addition, I have gained valuable administrative experience off the field as the President of the Soccer Club, founder and coordinator for multiple teams and leagues and assistant manager of the Eastern Shore Sharks. Through these experiences, I have readily accepted the duties of fund-raising, …….”

SHOW YOUR STUFF SHOW YOUR STUFF IN THE 2ND & 3RD IN THE 2ND & 3RD PARAGRAPHSPARAGRAPHS

If you just graduated from school, if you just got out of the service, or if you have some hands-on experience-say so

List qualifications that you possess that would be needed for the job

SHOW YOUR STUFF SHOW YOUR STUFF ((EXAMPLEEXAMPLE - EDUCATION) - EDUCATION)

. “For your review, I am enclosing a copy of my resume which shows: - Certification in the state of Maryland for grades K-8 - Student Field experiences in two counties within Maryland - Substitute teaching experience in Wicomico County, Maryland - Related coursework in Cooperative Learning and Classroom Management”

Summary (Summary (Paragraph Paragraph 44))

The closing paragraph should pave the way for an interview

Ask for an appointment or tell them you are excited about the possibility of seeing them soon

Offer to call the employer in the near future

Show enthusiasm and wrap it up

Summary Summary ExampleExample--Paragraph 4Paragraph 4

“I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my skills and qualifications. The chance to work for such an outstanding company and continue in a career field I truly enjoy is desirable to say the least. I will contact you late next week to arrange and appointment. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

How to Talk SalaryHow to Talk Salary

Best way to list salary requirements is in the cover letter in the final paragraph

You can state salary by saying: "My salary requirement is negotiable based upon the job responsibilities and the total compensation package." or if they insist on numbers give them a range like "My salary requirement is in the $35,000 - $40,000+ range."

Electronic Cover Letter Electronic Cover Letter Used via Email or Used via Email or Employer WebsitesEmployer Websites

Stick with plain text Be concise and clear Follow our standard business guidelines Entice readers through the subject line-be brief

but informative (ex. Experienced Counselor for Counseling Director Position)

Use keywords Provide sufficient contact

information Submit only what they ask

for Proofread

A WELL WRITTEN A WELL WRITTEN COVER LETTER WILL...COVER LETTER WILL...

MAGNIFY YOUR CHANCES AT GETTING AN INTERVIEW!!!