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PREPARING A COVER LETTER

PREPARING A COVER LETTER. What is a cover letter?. It’s your first real contact with a person who may become your employer (it is the first impression an employer has of you!). It’s a summary of your skills and experience : your chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job

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PREPARING A COVER LETTER

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  1. PREPARING A COVER LETTER

  2. What is a cover letter? • It’s your first real contact with a person who may become your employer (it is the first impression an employer has of you!). • It’s a summary of your skills and experience : your chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job • It answers the question: Why should we hire you?

  3. You should always include a cover letter along with your résumé I AM A RÉSUMÉ’S COMPANION

  4. Parts of a cover letter 1. Introductory paragraph: States who you are, why you are writing and how you heard about the subject (classifieds, newspaper article, word of mouth)

  5. Parts of a cover letter 2. Middle paragraphs (1-3) • Relate your skills and experiences to the employer’s needs • Show where you demonstrated these skills • Show how you can contribute to the organization • Show your interest in and understanding of the organization

  6. Parts of a cover letter • Final paragraph • Re-state your interest in the position • Thank the employer for their consideration • Request an interview • Relate contact info

  7. DO Use a standard font and nice paper (match your résumé). Provide your name, phone number and address. Find out the name of the contact person and use it in the letter. Research before writing the cover letter to show that you understand the organization. Tailor! Write in your own words. DO Convey specific goals and skills. Back up what you say with experience. Make sure the employer knows what action to take—will you call or will the employer call you? Get someone’s opinion on clarity and tone. Proof-read for typos. Proof-read again! Keep a copy of your letter. Tips on writing cover letters …

  8. DON’T Write a cover letter by hand. Make the letter more than one page long. Send form letters! Start every sentence with “I”. DON’T Repeat what is on your résumé. Wait until the last day before a deadline. Say anything negative about your employment situation or your life in general. Tips on writing cover letters …

  9. Remember … • Make the employer want to meet with you by showing how your skills and experience meet the needs of the employer. • It takes time to create effective, targeted cover letters, but it is definitely worth the time and effort.

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