Writing the Perfect Cover letter

1. Writing the Perfect Cover letter

2. The Cover Letter What is a cover letter? • A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies your resume. • It is used to introduce yourself to potential employers and to convince them that you’re the right person for the job. • Your cover letter doesn’t simply re-state your resume—it offers some new information, and it highlights the skills you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

3. The Cover Letter Why Use a Cover Letter? • A cover letter tells the employer which position you are applying for. • It provides aspects of your experience, skills and education as it relates to the job you are interested in. • It shows your ability to communicate effectively in writing. This includes your writing skills (spelling, grammar) and your ability to organize and present yourself.

4. The Cover Letter The three main objectives of your cover letter are to: • Introduce yourself, identify the position you are applying for, and explain how you found out about the position • Explain how you are qualified for the position and why you would be a great fit for the job • Request an interview and thank the employer

5. The Cover Letter The Content • Just as the business letter has a very specific format, the content of the cover letter is also very specific.

6. The Cover Letter The Opening • State the position you are applying for. • Tell how you learned about the job opening. • Two standard opening lines are: “Please accept this letter as my application for...” or “In reply to your advertisement in...”. • Do not begin with “I am writing...”.

7. The Cover Letter The Middle or “The Sales Pitch” • Market Yourself!! • Give your education or training where relevant. • Describe your skills and abilities and match them to the job. • Tell about positive activities/programs that you are presently involved in. • Explain what you have to offer the company.

8. The Cover Letter The Closing • Politely request an interview. • Indicate that your resume is included. • Give the telephone number where you can be reached. • Thank the employer for considering your application. • Professionally sign in black or blue pen

9. The Cover Letter Advertised job (OJM) • In your cover letter for an advertised job, mention how you heard about the position—whether you heard from a job posting, a newspaper article, or from someone in your network of contacts. • Identify the position you’re interested in. If there’s a competition or job number, include it in your cover letter. • Review the qualifications or job description and describe why you would be a good fit for the job, based on your skills and experience. http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/ex_cl_advertised.shtml

10. The Cover Letter Unadvertised job (HJM) • When writing a cover letter for an unadvertised job, introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in working for the company and how you came to hear about it. • Use your cover letter as an opportunity to spark the employer’s interest in you as a potential interviewee, and to request an opportunity to discuss potential employment opportunities or the possibility of an informational interview. http://www.youth.gc.ca/eng/topics/jobs/ex_cl_unadvertised.shtml

11. Top 10 Cover Letter Tips 1. Do your homework. Learn what you can about the company or organization you’re applying to, so you can tailor your cover letter and really show the employer that you could be a good fit. 2. Follow instructions. Be sure to include any information that was requested in the job posting. If the posting asked for the amount of hours a week you are available to work, be sure to answer that question in the cover letter. 3. Don’t just restate your resume. Use your letter as an opportunity to make a great first impression. Most employers read the cover letter first, so you want to catch their attention by describing your impressive skills. That way, they are more likely to read your full resume.

12. Top 10 Cover Letter Tips 4. Personalize your letter. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Use their name and title, and make sure the spelling of the name is correct. • NEVER address someone by their first name only at any point. 5. Tailor your letter to the job. Make sure the skills and experience you highlight in your cover letter are clearly connected to the job you’re applying for. 6. Presentation counts. Use a font that’s easy to read, like 12-point Times New Roman or Arial. Also stick with the basic, 8.5 x 11-inch white paper, to print your Cover Letter and Resume on. 7. Break it down. Make your cover letter easier to read by breaking the text down into short paragraphs.

13. The Cover Letter 8. Use a professional tone. Be sure to use professional and respectful language when writing your cover letter. • Avoid contractions and abbreviations (NO slang) • Open with a professional salutation • Close with a professional statement 9. Be brief. Your cover letter should be no more than one page long—the best strategy is to keep it short and to the point. 10. Proofread. Review your cover letter several times; don’t just rely on spell-check. Ask someone else to proofread it as well.

14. YOUR TASK • Log onto your myblueprint account and follow the template for writing a Cover Letter • Choose a job that you would like to apply to at this point and gather the information that is needed. • Remember, your letter must be focused. • Write your letter. Proofread your letter and then have someone else proofread your letter. • Finish up your Resume. • Submit your Cover letter & Resume on time. Remember, not following through = missed opportunities.