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COVER LETTERS

COVER LETTERS. What is a Cover Letter?. Many employers need a cover letter to go with a résumé. It shows that you can communicate effectively. Your cover letter and résumé should work together to convince an employer to give you an interview. It is your first impression!.

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COVER LETTERS

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  1. COVER LETTERS

  2. What is a Cover Letter? • Many employers need a cover letter to go with a résumé. • It shows that you can communicate effectively. • Your cover letter and résumé should work together to convince an employer to give you an interview. • It is your first impression!

  3. What should my cover letter accomplish?

  4. Your cover letter should: • Show the employer you have tailored the letter to the company and the job • Don’t use the same cover letter for every job • Explain your experiences in a clear, story-like manner • Detail your experiences/skills that relate to the job • Explain how your experiences/skills will help you help the employer and do the job • Provide an example of your communication skills.

  5. Before Writing: • Read the job advertisement carefully and underline important information that you can use in your letter • Tailor your letter to information in the ad. • E.g. “We are looking for a motivated person with a good driving record.” • I am a motivated person with a good driving record.

  6. What should my cover letter look like?

  7. Block format • The standard type of letter • The entire letter is left- aligned against the left margin

  8. Modified block • The date and closing are tabbed to the center point • The body text of the letter is left aligned

  9. Semi-Block • The body text of the letter is left justified except for the first sentence of the paragraphs. • The date and closing are tabbed to the center point

  10. Cover Letter Sections

  11. Four Sections: • Heading • Introduction • 2-3 argument/body paragraphs • Closing statement

  12. Sample Heading February 10, 2011John M. Smith181 Higgins AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3C 4L8204-123-4567jmsmith123@gmail.comAlex CarsonManger, A & D Industries1437 Any StreetWinnipeg, MB R2L 8K3204-891-1011 • Date • Your name • Address • Phone number • Email • Employer’s name • Company • Address • Phone number

  13. NOTE: • hotchick123@hotmail.com is not an appropriate email address to give an employer!

  14. Introduction • Address your letter to a specific individual if possible. • Look in the job ad for the contact person • Call the company • Look on the company’s website • If you cannot find the name of the contact person, address your letter to a group • Mention at least two examples of your experience from your résumé

  15. Sample Introduction Dear Pat Carson:Use Ms., Mrs., Mr. only if sure I read in the June 7, 2009 Journal and Courier employment section that A & D Industries is hiring a welder apprentice (#46), and I would like to speak with you about this position. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills make me a good match for A & D Industries. Also, my welding experience at Russell’s Collision Service as an auto body technician, welder/fabricatorandmy courses in weldingmake me a good candidate for your apprentice position.

  16. Body Paragraphs • Emphasize that you are a good match for the company and that you can do the job • Elaborate on the two examples of your experience that you used in your introduction

  17. Sample Paragraphs For the past two years, I have been working as an auto body technician and welder/fabricator at Russell’s Collision Service in Winnipeg. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills… In addition, during my two years at Russell’s, I developed my welding skills to become certified in welding steel, aluminum,…

  18. Closing • Restate your qualifications • Ask for an interview • Provide your contact information • Reference your résumé • Thank the employer for his/her time. • Sign your name • Type Enclosure or Attachment under your name for your résumé

  19. Sample Closing I am looking forward to meeting with you to interview for the welder apprentice position. I am sure that my strong work ethic, customer service skills, and welding experience can help A & D Industries. If you have any questions, please call me at 204-123-4567. You may also email me at jmsmith@gmail.com. For your reference, I have included my résumé. Thank you for taking the time to review my documents.Sincerely,<Signature>John M. SmithEnclosure: Résumé for John M. Smith

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