I. Cover Letter Overview

1. I. Cover Letter Overview • The cover letter’s function is to get the employer to turn the page to look at your resume. • You can send a cover letter without a resume, but NEVER send a resume w/o a cover letter. • Your cover letter is the narrative your resume cannot be. Pick your anecdotes carefully (strategically and they represent you well)! • When writing your cover letter, get to the point. • DO your homework; show off your knowledge of the company. • Pay attention to the job posting and match as many of your skills with who the employer wants to hire. • Do not use contractions (e.g. I’d, didn’t, etc…) • PROOF READ! • Avoid using too many sentences that start with “I” or writing in the passive voice (e.g. “This experienced enabled me to…”) Use an active voice (e.g. In this position, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem solving skills)

2. II. Formatting your cover letter • Top & bottom margins should be equal and your font should be 12 pt. • Cover letters should be one page. • Include your name, address, phone # and email on both the cover letter & the resume. • The paper you use for your cover letter and resume MUST match. You need a fine quality linen paper. • When possible, address a cover letter to a specific person. It will definitely stand out more than addressing it to the “hiring manager” or “to whom it may concern”. • Always sign your letters in black ink.

3. III. Cover Letter Contents • Opening paragraph -State the position you are applying for -Outline why you are writing -Mention how you heard about the position. • Center Paragraph(s) “Why I am qualified?” -Highlight most relevant experiences, achievements, and qualities as they relate to the position. Be specific. -Provide evidence to support your claims. -Use resume to come up with specifics, but NEVER reiterate it. -Strong examples are important! • Closing Paragraph –Short 2-4 sentences referring to resume -Request an interview -Let them know if you’ll be contacting them. -Thank them (VERY important)

4. May 1, 1998ABC College1234 Anywhere Dr.Someplace Else, MI 48124To Whom it may concern:Little did I know that by taking a few “fun” classes at the college, it would lead to my love affair with the entire educational process. As an experienced Administrative Assistant, I am writing to inquire of your need to an Records Specialist with strong technical skills and interpersonal skills.I excelled at my profession – as echoed by my superiors, as well as co-workers. I take pride in bringing the right measure of enthusiasm and efficiency into the equation so that everyone I come in contact with is uplifted by my helpfulness.Given my many years experience of administrative support and coordination, and commitment to quality performance, there is a strong likelihood I would quickly become a valued member of your college services team.In advance, I thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting with your interview panel.Sincerely,Cindy White Cindy White 1 Olive Avenue, Modesto, CA, 95350, (209) 575-1230

5. Cindy White1 Olive Avenue, Modesto, CA, 95350, (209) 575-1230 May 1, 1998ABC College1234 Anywhere Dr.Someplace Else, MI 48124 Dear Dr. Johns, I am interested in your Records Special position at ABC College. I possess the necessary administrative skills for your position, and my experience in office administration qualifies me for your position. As a Health Service Technician at Sutter Gould, I have managed an office for four years. In this position, I enhanced efficiency within the office by 20% during my first month of employment. I accomplished this by organizing the billing system, streamlining workloads for management and staff, coordinating office calendars and activities, and providing support for the nurses and management. I attend various meetings and transcribe information for interoffice and inter-department communication. I have also planned and tracked multiple budgets. I project revenue and expenses, which enable me to build the annual budgets reviewed by the Vice President. Handling risk management issues is an essential part of my position. I noticed in your job description you are looking for someone with this particular expertise. I am entrusted with a variety of sensitive and highly confidential matters on a daily basis. In addition to keeping accurate records, I act as a liaison between the claimant, employees, and company. One of my most important responsibilities is to assess the situation and follow it through to resolution, thereby minimizing the risk for our company. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my qualifications. If you have additional questions, please contact me at (209) 575-1234. I will be calling you next week to follow up on my interest in your Records Specialist position. Sincerely, Cindy White

6. Janet Jonesjjones@abc.net123 Main Street Home: (209) 444-4444Anywhere, CA 95777 Cell: (209) 555-5555 May 1, 1998 ABC College 1234 Anywhere Dr. Someplace Else, MI 48124 Dear , I am writing to express my interest in the supervisor position as mentioned in the Modesto Bee, and have enclosed my resume for your consideration. Review of my credentials will confirm that I have served as the catalyst for successful marketing, customer loyalty, and business development initiatives, complemented by high-caliber general management qualifications and a proven track record in delivering value to client organizations. For example, I have provided outstanding leadership in both start-up and turn around efforts. I built one operation from start-up to $12 million with a 50% year over year growth rate for an under-performing division. As a leader, I reduced costs $1 million and transformed my team into a synergized, integrated support center. Other highlights of my background include: • Creative design, problem solving an analytical talent combined with P & L management experience, structured business skills and technology savvy. • Keen instincts to quickly effect change and improvement with key expertise in visualizing, designing and executing marketing programs. • Strong leadership talents, “team player” attitude and spirit, and the natural ability to establish consensus among cross-functional lines. • Capable of managing the entire sales cycle, with success in single-handedly targeting, soliciting, and winning accounts – including business valued a $4.5 million in new revenues. As described, the supervisory position sounds like a perfect match, and I would very much appreciate the chance for a personal interview. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Janet Jones

7. IV. Cover Letter Writing Workshop • Heading: Used a business-letter format and professional paper. • Salutation: Addressed letter to a specific person or “Dear Hiring Manager/Dear Search Committee”. • Opening Paragraph: Clearly state the position for which you're applying. Also included was a synopsis of why you are a top candidate for the position. • Body: Outlined the top reasons why you're worthy of an interview. Included what you can do for the employers, demonstrated how your credentials, motivation and track record would benefit the employer. You also backed up your achievements with specific examples. • Closing Paragraph: Generates a call for action, expressed your strong interest in an interview and state that you will follow up soon to confirm your resume was received and discuss the possibility of meeting face-to-face. • Complimentary Close: End with a professional close.