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Cover Letters. Sell Yourself in Writing. Joliet Junior College Career Services. Cover letter + Resume. The cover letter and resume are a team Resumes and cover letters are most effective when targeted for a specific job.
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Cover Letters Sell Yourself in Writing Joliet Junior College Career Services
Cover letter + Resume The cover letter and resume are a team Resumes and cover letters are most effective when targeted for a specific job. Employers want to see that you have researched the position and have prepared a package that best represents your match in qualifications.
What is a Cover Letter? • Expresses your interest in an job or position • Conveys your knowledge of the company • Helps you to market your qualifications to the prospective employer
Cover Letter Tips • Address letter to an individual not a company • Keep letter to one page • Customize the letter for each position • Do not repeat the resume, highlight it! • Research: Review websites, brochures, etc. • Plan the letter prior to writing
October 26, 2010 Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL 60446 Dear Mr. Levy: OPENING / INTRODUCTION BODY CLOSING Sincerely, Jane Doe • Opening / Introduction: • Reference previous conversation, if any. • Mention company name, job title, etc. – customize. • How you heard about the job. • Why you are interested in the job. • Body: • Connect the job qualifications/experiences to your background (work, education, etc) – be specific. • Mention any related experience or specialized training. • Show that you have researched the company. • Closing: • State the action you expect from the recipient and/or the action you will take. • Offer specific time frames for the action. • Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
What job you are applying toand how you learned about it. • Any personal contacts you have in or with the company. • Your general qualifications for the job. Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL 60446 Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure
Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL 60446 Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted… Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure • Expand upon your qualifications. • Discuss your most relevant qualifications in detail. • Refer the reader to your resume for additional details.
Phillip A. Levy ABC Company 4201 East Street Romeoville, IL 60446 Dear Mr. Levy: I am applying for the position of Department Manager which was advertised in the Chicago Tribune. Having recently completed my Associate Degree in Management and Supervision, I am seeking a position in… As you can see from my resume, I bring significant skills from my previous work experience. I have gained experience in inventory control, purchasing and customer service. I have also developed excellent time management… Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my resume. I believe my qualities could be a good match for your management position. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to discuss this position. I may be contacted… Sincerely, Jane Doe Enclosure • Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration. • State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information.
Cover Letter Formatting • Microsoft Word • 1” margins on all sides • Choose font and font size (Times 12) • Avoidfancytypeordifficulttoreadstyles • Limit to one page • Check spelling, punctuation, grammar and word usage (ask a friend)
For more information and sample cover letters, please visit: www.jjc.edu/info/careers or contact Career Services at: Campus Center Phone: (815) 280-2756Email: careers@jjc.edu