THE COVER LETTER

1. THE COVER LETTER What Why HoW

2. WHAT What is a cover letter? Wikipedia Definition- A cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter or a letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a resume or curriculum vitae. In our language… A cover letter is a personal letter, written by you to a potential employer to let them know who you are and why they should hire you.

3. WHY Why should you write a cover letter? Shows you are intelligent Shows the employer you are serious about the job Tells the employer why you are qualified for the job Allows you to persuade the employer Helps set you apart from the competition In your language… It shows you want the job and your willing to put in the extra effort to show you are serious about the job. Besides that, you want the job right?

4. HOW First Let’s take a look at your example cover letter. Part 1- Heading Part 2- Body Part 3- Closing

5. PART 1 – THE HEADING Your Address Date Their Title Their Address Salutation

6. PART 2 – THE BODY 2 Very Important Parts Paragraph 1- Introduction and Hook Paragraph 2- Why you are qualified

7. PART 2 – THE BODY Paragraph 1- Introduction and Hook First Sentence- How you found out about the job-Name Bomb Second Sentence- What position are you applying for Third Sentence- (Hook)- Say something that shows you researched the company before applying. Then, paint a picture of how you will help their company.

8. PART 2 – THE BODY Paragraph 2- Why you are qualified for the job Use the actual job description requirements to state that you have all the qualifications for the job. Also, when telling the employer why you are qualified, use Industry Specific Language through the delivery of your experience.

9. Part 3 – THE CLOSING Then SIGN IT!! Last part: Complimentary Closing like: Sincerely yours, works just fine. Skip four lines down and type your name. RIGHT HERE!!! Last Paragraph: Close the letter with a question asking if you can contact them about scheduling a visit with them. Then, tell them why you want to visit.

10. AND THAT’S IT!!!! NOT!!

11. Group Work Activity Each group must select a leader, a typist and a spokesperson. Each group must create a cover letter based on their chosen job. Each group must have the same number of team members. All team members must participate. You will have 15 minutes to complete this activity. The leader will need to organize their team, ensure that all team members contribute, and help the team finish the activity in the time allowed. Once finished, each group’s spokesperson will present their teams cover letter to the class.

12. Group Work Once we finish reading the 3 job choices you will then choose what group to join. Remember, each group must contain the same number of members as the other groups.

13. Job Postings- Group Work Group 1- Babysitter Part Time (Wasilla) Jan. 27 Part time babysitter needed tanaina area from after school till 11p.m. One to two nights a week. Must have own transportation. Please call jill at 775-5847. Group 2- Sidewalk Shoveling S idewalkshoveling position (Valley) FM2 Inc is in need of a shoveling position in Wasilla/palmer and another position in ANC. Position in the Valley will be approx 10/15 hrs. a week. Pay is DOE. The right person can make up to $18.00. But must have lots of experience and be willing to sign a 60 day employment contract. Please call 907-376-5874 for application details tomorrow. Or send your references to this craigslist ad Must have reliable transportation NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! Group 3- Helper Wanted for Aircraft Mechanic(Palmer/Wasilla Wolf Lake) I am an aircraft Mechanic in need of a helper. Need not have aircraft experience. Need to have interest in Aviation. Experiences good toward A&P license. Prefer a student with Aviation interest. Email me let me who you are, what your goals are and contact info. airplanedude@yahoo.com

14. Group Work Activity Each group must select a leader, a typist and a spokesperson. Each group must create a cover letter based on their chosen job. Each group must have the same number of team members. All team members must participate. You will have 15 minutes to complete this activity. The leader will need to organize their team, ensure that all team members contribute, and help the team finish the activity in the time allowed. Once finished, each group’s spokesperson will present their teams cover letter to the class.

15. Final Rule You can make anything up that you have to like the address, your experience, names, have fun, but be respectful, and most importantly your group is being graded based on cover letter correctness, so do a good job!!

16. Job Postings- Group Work Group 1- Babysitter Part Time (Wasilla) Jan. 27 Part time babysitter needed tanaina area from after school till 11p.m. One to two nights a week. Must have own transportation. Please call jill at 775-5847. Group 2- Sidewalk Shoveling S idewalkshoveling position (Valley) FM2 Inc is in need of a shoveling position in Wasilla/palmer and another position in ANC. Position in the Valley will be approx 10/15 hrs. a week. Pay is DOE. The right person can make up to $18.00. But must have lots of experience and be willing to sign a 60 day employment contract. Please call 907-376-5874 for application details tomorrow. Or send your references to this craigslist ad Must have reliable transportation NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! Group 3- Helper Wanted for Aircraft Mechanic(Palmer/Wasilla Wolf Lake) I am an aircraft Mechanic in need of a helper. Need not have aircraft experience. Need to have interest in Aviation. Experiences good toward A&P license. Prefer a student with Aviation interest. Email me let me who you are, what your goals are and contact info. airplanedude@yahoo.com