Types of Application/Cover LettersTypes of Application/Cover Letters

SolicitedSolicited

Unsolicited Unsolicited

ReferralReferral

Cover LetterCover Letter

General Guidelines• Proper address, salutation• About a page• Best info first • Focus on

• Major requirements of the job/position/industry

• Points that separate you from other applicants

• Points that show your knowledge of the organization

• Qualities that every employer values

Possible OrganizationPossible Organization

FIRST PARAGRAPH(s)FIRST PARAGRAPH(s)• Catch attention (?)

– Specific? Results? Company-specific?

• State that you are applying for the job.– Phrase the job title as the source phrased it.– Cite source

• Few sentences with “best details”

– Qualifications? Skills? Education?

– Use the job ad as “frame” if you can.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (2, 3?)BODY PARAGRAPHS (2, 3?)

• Describe qualifications

• Prove it! Examples

– Accomplishments, achievements rather than a list of qualifications and skills

• Expand on resume items (Don’t repeat word for word from resume)

• Include transferable skills

• Show knowledge of the company, qualifications as they apply to company and position

CLOSINGCLOSING

• Ask for an interview. Consider hooking the request to a statement reviewing your strongest points.

• Make it easy to respond. Tell when/how you can be reached

Follow-Up / Thank you LetterFollow-Up / Thank you Letter

Send it within two business days.

Three functions:1. Thank the interviewer. (specific?)

2. Reaffirm your interest in the company – hook to skills/qualifications if possible.

3. Close by expressing appreciation, offering more info, and stating that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Before the Interview• Research

• Prepare– Success stories– Selling points, company specific– Responses to common questions– Questions for interviewer

During the Interview

• First impression

• Focus: strengths, don’t criticize

• Be prepared for questions– Salary: know your salary range– Inappropriate: shift focus to positive– Behavioral: STAR method

STAR Method

For BEHAVIORAL questions – tell a story“describe a time…” “give me an example…”

• Situation – what was the situation or context? Set the scene

• Task – what was the task, project, or problem?

• Action – what action did you take? How did you handle the situation?

• Result(s) – what were the results?

After the Interview

• Take notes while the interview is fresh

• Write a “thank you” within two days

Other Job Search Stuff

• Sample Documents/Portfolio??

• References– Personal, academic, professional

• Letters of Recommendation– Be specific about what/why– Have resume, other documents (make it easy)– Give them focus points– Listen/read for cues– Say thank you!