Cover Letters

1. Cover Letters

2. What is a Cover Letter? • A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations • It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. • States why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.

3. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Introduces you and your resume to an employer • explains why you are writing or applying for the job • details why you are a good match for the organization and the position • demonstrates your abilities and helps to establish your credibility • draws your readers' attention to specific qualifications • provides a sample of your written communications skills • explains when you plan to contact your prospective employer.

4. Importance of Cover Letters • A cover letter's importance also includes its ability to: • Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume • Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements • Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application • Provide a sample of your written communication skills

5. The Challenge… • The cover letter is one of the most challenging documents you may ever write! • You must write about yourself without sounding selfish and self-centered. • The solution to this is: • Explain how your values and goals align with the prospective organization • discuss how your experience will fulfill the job requirements

6. How to Impress Prospective Employers • You must first know what they are looking for in candidatesand what they value as an organization. • Suggestions: • Read the job advertisement carefully • Research the corporate website, read and try to understand their mission statement • Call "insiders" (people that work with the company)

7. Meeting Qualification Requirements Consider this list of transferable skills: You may not have all of the qualifications they require, BUT you most likely have other skills they value! Leadership qualities Multi-tasking ability Oral communications skills Teamwork skills Written communications skills • Ability to meet deadlines • Ability to work independently • Computer skills • Interpersonal skills

8. Heading Information Contact Info, date, Employer Info Then, you will skip a line and write the full date Follow this by skipping a space and writing the contact information for the person to whom you are writing: Name of the specific person Title of that person (if available) Address of the company • For your contact information, you will want to include the following: • Your name • Your Address • Phone number • E-mail address

9. Heading Example

10. Address Your Cover Letter • Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific individual, usually the person in charge of interviewing and hiring. • Here are some ideas on how to get the name of a specific person: • Look in the job ad for the contact person. • Call the company for more information. • Research the company's website for the person in charge of the department you are applying to, or a person in Human Resources.

11. Cover Letter Intros • The introduction of your cover letter should begin with a greeting to a specific person • Dear Mrs. Smith • If you cannot find the name of that person, you may address your letter to a group. • Example: Dear Hiring Professionals Dear Selection Committee • Followed by a statement of who you are and why you are writing • why you are a good candidate!

12. Catch the Reader’s Attention • How to catch the attention of the reader. • You want to STAND OUT! • State the school you attend, your interests, and what position you are applying for • Mention where you heard about the job. • Mention the name of a contact who has a positive connection with the company. (if possible) • Bring up any previous conversations you have had with your reader (i.e., at a job fair).

13. State your qualifications How to make a strong claim for yourself. • you must make a strong claim about your candidacy and that you match the needs of the job and the company. • Clearly state two-three qualifications you have that match the company/position. • These qualifications will then be the focus of your body paragraphs and arguments. • Example: I agree that a team spirit and strong work ethic are vital for success, and I believe I can bring these qualities to your company.

14. Body of the Cover Letter • You should describe the most important qualifications to show why you are a good match for the job and the company. • You should focus your cover letter's body around the two-three qualifications you mention in the introduction. • In each paragraph you can concentrate on one quality, seeking to answer the following two questions: • How can I show I am qualified for this position and that I am a good match for the organization? • What have I done that illustrates these qualifications?

15. Tell a Story! • You do not want to only mention the skills that you possess; you also have to show that you possess them! • Think of it as telling a story, you should describe the experiences of how you received and grew your skills, mentioning specific places you worked and positions you held. • Example: My communication skills in the workplace have grown because of my internships. When I was an intern at Newberry & Jones, I wrote memos and letters to customers and colleagues on a daily basis. This experience taught me to write professionally and to-the-point.

16. Set Yourself Apart • Be specific and match this information to your resume • Here are some ideas about what might set you apart: • Special projects • Explain course work that gives you a type of professional experience. • Awards • Show that others have recognized the high quality of your work. • Include only those awards that relate to the position you desire. • Accomplishments • Demonstrate how you improved efficiency/productivity at work or school. • Include what you did at school that proves your skills. • Explain how you set a goal and reached it.

17. Cover Letter Closing • A closing sums up your qualifications and reveals what you plan to do after your readers have receive your application packet • Tips for closing your cover letter: • Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good match for the job position and the organization. • Request an interview in some way. • Provide contact information. • Thank them! • Sign your name

18. Closing Example: • I am eager to speak with you and discuss my possible contribution to Country Press, as I feel my experiences in communication and customer service will be an asset to the company. I will be in touch with you within a week, and if you need to reach me, you can call 423-512-1143, or email me at anyone@anywhere.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.

19. An Effective Cover Letter: • highlights the qualifications related to the position as laid out in the job criteria • proves that you align well with the organization and that you meet the job requirements • provides contact information and a plan for future contact.