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Cover Letters 101

Cover Letters 101. Agenda. What is a cover letter? Research the Industry Research the Employer Setting up the page Anatomy of a Cover letter Importance of Proofreading Final Thoughts. What is a cover letter?. A letter sent to a potential employer along with your resume

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Cover Letters 101

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  1. Cover Letters 101

  2. Agenda • What is a cover letter? • Research the Industry • Research the Employer • Setting up the page • Anatomy of a Cover letter • Importance of Proofreading • Final Thoughts

  3. What is a cover letter? • A letter sent to a potential employer along with your resume • Tells the recipient for whom the resume is intended • Elaborates on your knowledge of the company and your desire to work for it • Allows you to name drop

  4. Research the Industry • Important business or technological trends • Phrases, subject matter • Hiring trends (within the industry)

  5. Research the Employer • The nature of the company’s business • History • Major clients or customers trends • Hiring trends (by this particular employer – helpful to have a contact that can provide this info)

  6. Setting up the page • Use white or ivory paper • Write your contact information in top left or right-hand corner of page • Write the name, title, company name and address of the person you are sending the letter in left-hand corner of page • Send an original signed letter

  7. Write the cover letter • Standard phrases • Avoid jargon & clichés • Be brief • Use action words • Don’t be funny • Explain why you want this job

  8. Anatomy of a Cover Letter • First Paragraph • Power Opening – Talk about the org, not you – you’ve done your homework • Second Paragraph • Purpose of correspondence (i.e. position you are seeking, where you heard about it) and brief background on you (i.e. some skills and qualifications for the position) • Third Paragraph • Why you are a good fit at the company • Fourth Paragraph • Closing and call to action i.e. Request for an interview

  9. Importance of Proofreading Errors • Addressing the letters to correct street address, but wrong company or person • Praising company for accomplishments that were actually achieved by the company's competitors • Failing to sign your name • Failing to include the date • Misspelling the recruiters’ names

  10. Final Thoughts Dew knot truss yore spell cheque

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