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Cover Letters

Cover Letters. “The tool that makes an employer take interest in YOU.”. Purpose of a Cover Letter. To get the employer to take ACTION on your resume!. What is a Cover Letter?. Document designed to “entice” someone to read your resume & extend you an interview

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Cover Letters

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  1. Cover Letters “The tool that makes an employer take interest in YOU.”

  2. Purpose of a Cover Letter To get the employer to take ACTION on your resume!

  3. What is a Cover Letter? • Document designed to “entice” someone to read your resume & extend you an interview • Appeal to the employer’s needs • Easy to read and peruse • “Sells” the high points of your career (successes, achievements, qualifications) • Demonstrates the VALUE you bring to an organization

  4. Cover Letter Format Your Address City, State, Zip (1 line) Date (3 lines) Their Name Title Organization Address City, State, Zip (1 line)

  5. Cover Letter Format Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./Last Name: (1 space) Paragraph 1: Make an IMMEDIATE connection with the reader (1 space) Paragraph 2&3: Show you are the IDEAL candidate for the position (1 space) Paragraph 4: Convey your sincere interest and appreciation (1 space) Sincerely, (4 spaces) Your Typed Name) (1 space) Enclosure(s)

  6. Paragraph 1: Grabber GOAL: Make an IMMEDIATE connection with the reader • Include: • Reason you are writing • State specific position for which you are applying (if unknown, describe work you seek) • Include your networking contact or referral or how you heard about the opportunity • Share the research you have done about the organization **Note: Generic cover letter is insulting to the reader

  7. Paragraphs 2 & 3Background/Key Attributes/Skills GOAL: Show you are the IDEAL candidate for the position • Show knowledge of the employer • Outline key attributes/skills that will: • FIT/MATCH the employer’s needs • Solve company problems/challenges • Match distinctive qualifications of the job • If have job description, show you meet requirements • Refer to your enclosed packet that provides additional information **DO NOT repeat verbatim information from your resume. Instead, expand on experiences and cite concrete examples in action-oriented detail.

  8. Paragraphs 2 & 3 Use a logical flow so the employer comes to the conclusion that YOU fit the job specifications and company culture perfectly!

  9. Paragraph 4: Closing & Next Steps GOAL: Convey your sincere interest and appreciation • State your genuine interest working for them • Obtaining an informational interview or interview with them • Include a sincere, goodwill statement to the employer and your desire to be a part of the organization—action statement (JKG) “I will contact you next week…”

  10. Cover Letter “Tips” • One page • Content is professional • Quality paper (match resume) • Simple font (match resume) • Signature (full name typed) • Sign with a fountain/ink pen • Address to a person (if possible) & use colon: Dear Mr. Larson: Dear Search Committee: • Proofread!

  11. Cover Letters…To Do Checklist • Be tailored to the reader to show you have done your homework • Address as many items on job description as possible (tailor) • Include information relevant to the position (tailor) • Get to the point; use short sentences • Avoid stiffness (balance professionalism/friendliness) • Be organized • Be positive (concentrate on your value/what you bring) • Ask for the next step in the process clearly AND without apology or arrogance • Proofread! Misspellings will hurt you

  12. Resources • Enelow, Wendy S. (2001) Best Cover Letters for $100,000+ Jobs. Impact Publications, VA • Krannich, R. and Krannich, C. (1994) Dynamite Cover Letters. Impact Publications, VA • Yate, Martin (1992) Cover Letters that Knock’em Dead. Bob Adams, Inc., MA • http://www.mgt.ncsu.edu/career_resources/students/manual.php

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