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Cover Letters

What is it?. Also called Letter of Application and Letter of InquiryLetter that states your interest, qualifications and skills for the positionOpportunity to showcase written communication skills. Who needs one? When do you use it?. Always used with the resume when it is sentSend even if it isn'

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Cover Letters

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    1. Cover Letters What is it? Who needs one? When do you use it? Mechanics of a good cover letter Guidelines to follow

    2. What is it? Also called Letter of Application and Letter of Inquiry Letter that states your interest, qualifications and skills for the position Opportunity to showcase written communication skills

    3. Who needs one? When do you use it? Always used with the resume when it is sent Send even if it isn’t mentioned in the ad If using on-line application box with no cover letter option, consider sending it via mail or e-mail

    4. Mechanics of a Good Cover Letter Must be tailored to specific position Addressed to specific person Employer address visible How you will contribute to the company (not vice versa) Is in your own words (sounds natural & is your personality) Conveys enthusiasm and positivity

    5. Mechanics of a Good Cover Letter Company/industry research Why you want to work for them Use buzzwords Industry specific & meaningful to the employer Examples?

    6. Guidelines to follow Your name & contact information The employers name and contact information Date Greeting Body 2-4 paragraphs Closing Signature & Enclosure

    7. Guidelines to follow Indicate how you learned of the position Be specific if applicable Call attention to your specific education, qualifications & skills; ESPECIALLY those mentioned in the job posting Provide all requested materials Indicate your interest Plan follow up (passive vs. active close)

    8. Guidelines to follow One page only Only send what they ask for No typos/grammatical errors

    9. Sample Cover Letter Format Your address City, State, Zip Code Individual's Name Title Company Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date Dear Mr./Ms. ______________: Introduce your reason for writing, name of the position for which you are applying, and how you heard of the opening or of the company. Refer to the enclosed resume, application form, transcripts, or whatever you are using to illustrate your training, interests, and experience. Expand on your ‘technical’ skills, (skills the employer has asked for in the job posting), talk about your education and training. Mention one or two main qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the employer, slanting your remarks to their point of view. If you have had related experience, or specialized training, be sure to point it out, but be careful not to repeat the entire resume. Tell why you are particularly interested in their company, location, or type of work. Describe the personal characteristics you possess that are of value to an employer. Close by making a request for an interview. Close with a statement of appreciation for the employer's consideration of your application. Sincerely, (Signature) Type your name

    10. Examples: What skills to focus on for multiple occupations? Technical skills Personal characteristics or qualities

    11. References Marketing tool Personal vs. Professional How many?

    12. References How to Ask Follow Up Format: Name Job Title/Relationship to You Employer Address City, state zip Daytime phone number

    13. Assignment: Prepare your electronic/scannable resume & hand in draft Write a cover letter draft using an actual job posting Read your book on interviewing tips Bring your top five tips from the book Prepare references (for portfolio)

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