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Tutorial: The Cover Letter

Tutorial: The Cover Letter. Suzanne Glenn Based on Resume Magic by Susan Whitcomb. Cover Letter Basics. A. Three key strategies used in the cover letter B. Content of the cover letter C. Parts of the cover letter D. Appendix: Examples of Cover Letters.

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Tutorial: The Cover Letter

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  1. Tutorial: The Cover Letter Suzanne Glenn Based on Resume Magic by Susan Whitcomb

  2. Cover Letter Basics • A. Three key strategies used in the cover letter • B. Content of the cover letter • C. Parts of the cover letter • D. Appendix: Examples of Cover Letters

  3. A. Three key strategies used in the cover letter

  4. A. Three key strategies used in the cover letter

  5. 1. Value! Value! VALUE! • Ask yourself: “How are you going to save the employer time and money?” • Tips • Watch how many times you use personal pronouns (i.e. I, my, me) • Keep letter employer focused!

  6. 2. Sell, don’t tell • Ask yourself: “How are you going to demonstrate to the employer that you will provide them with the best possible service?” • Tip • Provide Evidence • Quantify accomplishments • i.e. Increased sales by 12%

  7. 3. Reveal a Secret • Ask yourself: “What makes me different from the next person?” • Tip • Reveal a bit about yourself • i.e. reveal your personality, philosophy or character

  8. B. Content of the Cover Letter

  9. B. Content of the Cover Letter • OLD CONTENT • Introduction • Body • Conclusion • NEW CONTENT • The Carrot • The Corroboration • The Close

  10. The Carrot • A fresh Introduction • Examples of Carrots • Intriguing statement • Inspirational quote • Interesting fact • Appeal • i.e. Intriguing statement • “Little did I know that leaving my native France to work for the summer as an au pair would lead to a career in international business” (p. 474)

  11. The Corroboration • Strengthen and support information in your resume • Corroboration example: • Tip • Can use bullet points in your letter to highlight your qualifications

  12. The Close • Summarize qualifications • Initiate next steps • i.e. The Close • “There is no doubt in my mind that I would be an asset to your company. I will be in your area on Friday and will drop by to discuss my candidacy.” (p. 481)

  13. C. Parts of the cover letter

  14. C. Parts of a Cover Letter • Header • Name and contact information (same as resume header) • Date • The day you write the letter • Inside address • Contact name, title, company name, street address, city, province, postal code • Subject line • i.e. “Re: X job position” • Salutation • Dear Mr. or Ms. if female • *Not Miss or Mrs. unless you know the individual’s preference)

  15. Parts of a Cover Letter Cont. • Body • The carrot, the corroboration, the close • Complementary closing • i.e. “Sincerely” is most common • i.e. “Regards” “Best Wishes” can also be used • Writer’s identification • Your name that matches the name of your header • Enclosure notation • When including your resume after your letter, write “Enclosure” two lines below your name and number of pages • i.e. Enclosure (2)

  16. References • Whitcomb, S. B. (2010). Resume magic: Trade secrets of a professional resume writer. Indianapolis, IN: Jist Works.

  17. D. Appendix: Examples of Cover Letters

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