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The Cover Letter

The Cover Letter. Building Your First Impression. By John Day Student Employment Advisor Student & Graduate Employment Services, Mohawk College. About Your Cover Letter. It is the 1 st chance you have to make an impression with the employer so do the very best you can.

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The Cover Letter

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  1. The Cover Letter Building Your First Impression By John Day Student Employment Advisor Student & Graduate Employment Services, Mohawk College

  2. About Your Cover Letter • It is the 1st chance you have to make an impression with the employer so do the very best you can. • The ultimate goal of the cover letter and resume is to get you invited for an interview. • Take the time to compose a letter specific to the position and the company ororganization to which you are applying. • Make reference to where you read, or heard of the position being offered.

  3. Things to Include • Where possible, address it to a specific person, with their position title and company name. • Read the job description and use exact words from the ad in your letter. • Use the same bond paper in your resume and letter, and use an 8 ½ x 11 envelope

  4. Things to Include • Check spelling and grammar and especially the correct spelling of names. • Read the letter aloud to yourself to make sure it flows smoothly. • Paper clip your cover letter to the front of your 2 page resume, which is stapled together.

  5. Things NOT to Include • Do not use terminology that isn’t you, this will show up in your interview. • Do not use abbreviations in your personalized header or in your letter.

  6. Writing the Cover Letter • Your personalized header should be the same for your Cover Letter, Resume and References. • Make sure to include your name (in large type) and all the methods that a potential employer may contact you. (mailing address, phone, e-mail etc.) • If you include your e-mail address, make sure that it is professional and appropriate. (avoid addresses like bigjim@beer.com)

  7. Writing the Cover Letter • An example header: Joan Smith 123 Chilvers Crescent Hamilton, Ontario L8T 4S8 905 / 520-2404 Jsmith01@sympatico.ca

  8. Writing the Cover Letter • Including the full mailing address of the recruiter on your cover letter. Contact person’s name (if given in the posting) Contact position title Company name Mailing address City, Province Postal Code

  9. Writing the Cover Letter • An example mailing address: Mr. Steve Jobs – Chief Executive Officer Apple Inc. 1 Infinite Loop Mailstop 84-3CE Cupertino, California 95014

  10. Writing the Cover Letter Salutation • Include the company name, address, person addressed to and their job title. Subject Line • Mention the job title being offered and bold it to emphasize importance. Introduction • Refer to the specific position and how you learned of the opening.

  11. Writing the Cover Letter Example Salutation • DearSteve Jobs Example Subject Line • Re: Software Development Team Leader position

  12. Writing the Cover Letter Example Introduction: Please accept and consider my enclosed resume for the position of Software Development Team Leader as recently advertised in The Graduate Employment Office at Mohawk College on July 8, 2002. I will be graduating from the Software Engineering Diploma Program at Mohawk College and I am excited to begin my career.

  13. Writing the Cover Letter Body • Highlight your strengths and abilities while giving examples of your skills, which should directly relate to the position. • Show the employer that you meet their qualifications and explain what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

  14. Writing the Cover Letter Example Body • As indicated in my resume, I possess experience in various programming languages including Unix Script Programming, RPG/400, RPG-III, CL Programming, SQL/400, HTML, Visual Basic 6.0, and Quick Basic. In addition, I am well versed in various software packages, and operating systems. As a highly motivated individual, I possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. I work well both individually and as part of a team and have experience leading development teams responsible for large projects within tight deadlines.

  15. Writing the Cover Letter Closing • Keep it short but polite. • Express interest in an interview and indicate how the company can reach you by indicating your telephone number; perhaps in bold print. • Mention a date when the employer can expect a follow-up to your letter, and how it will be made, usually a telephone call will do.

  16. Writing the Cover Letter Example Closing • The opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my credentials would be greatly appreciated. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you in the near future, I can be reached at (905) 555-XXXX.

  17. Writing the Cover Letter Finally • Sign the cover letter using a pen. Attachments • A Letter of Recommendation is excellent. • Employers frequently ask for a transcript of marks. (for recent graduates only) • Paper clip attachments behind the resume.

  18. Writing the Cover Letter Broadcast Letter • A general letter that an applicant sends out to a large number of companies. • It is not specifically geared to any particular company or job posting, but provides an overview of the applicant’s skills as they might apply to the companies’ needs.

  19. The Cover Letter Building Your First Impression By John Day Student Employment Advisor Student & Graduate Employment Services, Mohawk College

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