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Mr. Johnson. Cross Content Reading & Writing. Reading & Writing in Health Science?. Why? How?. Purpose of a Cover Letter. accompanies each resume you send out complements, not duplicates, your resume interprets the data-oriented, factual resume adds a personal touch
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Mr. Johnson Cross Content Reading & Writing
Reading & Writing in Health Science? • Why? • How?
Purpose of a Cover Letter • accompanies each resume you send out • complements, not duplicates, your resume • interprets the data-oriented, factual resume • adds a personal touch • creates a critical first impression (earliest written contact with a potential employer)
Types of Cover letters • The application letter which responds to a known job opening • The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions • The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search
Combine networking with direct contact. • If you can enlist a friend of a friend to put in a word with the contact you're seeking, do so.
Befriend the person under the Contact • Introduce yourself to your contact's assistant, secretary, or person responsible for answering the phone. • Let him/her know why you're calling. • Ask him/her if she could please look out for the letter you've sent. • Enlist him/her help in reaching the contact.
Phone contact • Leave only one phone message. • However, Don't give up until you reach the contact. • Prepare to make at least 15 calls before you reach your contact.
Include concrete examples of your achievements. • Consider using bullet points. For instance, one bullet could say, "When I worked at the Gap from 2002 to 2004, I increased sales in the our store by 35%."
Forbes Magazine • Write a "grabber" opening paragraph. • In the first paragraph, lay out how you can help the company meet its challenges.
Body of Cover Letter lets the employer know • what position you are applying for • why the employer should select you for an interview • how you will follow-up
Sample Cover Letter #1 • great? Good? Fair?
Many tips & specifics before you write Many of the following ideas and suggestions can be accessed from the following website-- http://lifehacker.com/5880545/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-that-employers-will-actually-read
Know Your Audience • Before you write a letter, do your homework.
Know Yourself • Simply who are you
Show, Don't Tell • What have you actually done? • What have you achieved?
Never Write the Same Letter Twice • Different job • Different company • Different timing (you’ve changed or your situation has) • Repeat some elements or ideas but more likely to be personal if you review & change it each time
The Follow Up • Do what you said you would do in the closing paragraph • Keep at it • Make a friend at the workplace & take his/her advice • Keep at it until you get through to the Contact
Demonstrate What Every Employer Wants to Know • You're smart. • You'll get things done. • You'll fit in well.
Save file • File name should be “your last name” underscore “coverletter” For example “johnson_coverletter”—no quotes • Save to the Desktop first then to a thumb drive/memory stick