March to Employment Success

1. March to Employment Success …Time to Grab your Horn and make some noise! Topic: Cover Letters

2. Application and Cover Letters • How do I get started? What information do I need? • What format? How long? What do I include and/or leave out? What order does everything go into? What categories do I need? • Why do I need a cover letter anyway?

3. Letter of Application “LOA”(Cover Letter Information) • 3-4 paragraphs in length (MAX) stating your interest in the position and just a bit of an overview of why you are qualified for the position. • Average view is 4.2 seconds for a committee to look at a cover letter – be brief (but efficient) • Use “power words” in your letter – same as your resume

4. Letter of Application “LOA”(Cover Letter Information) • Dear…“Mr., Dr., Mrs., Ms., Professor, Committee Chair, Human Resources Rep, etc… (what and to whom you address?) – DO YOUR RESEARCH on the organization – don’t settle for anything less than a name! The last two pages are part of a presentation done for the Region IV Lead-On by Troy Vaughn, the Director of Recreational Sports at Southeast Missouri State University. The entire presentation is available for review at: http://www4.semo.edu/recsports/TVsRIVLeadon.asp

5. Cover Letter Resources • http://resume.monster.com/articles/cover%5Fletter%5FFAQs/ This is monster.com’s frequently asked questions area on cover letters. • http://resume.monster.com/articles/letteretiquette/ This is an overall article on the etiquette of cover letters. I found it interesting as a generic overview. • http://resume.monster.com/articles/lettersthatsell/ This is a good step-by-step method of what needs to be included and in what format. It’s a great place to start. • http://www.quintcareers.com/covres.html • This is the introductory link for all of the articles and resources available on quintcareers.com for cover letters. There are some exceptional resources including a critique checklist, information on the three types of cover letters, and many links for tips and success ideas. • http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_basics.html • This link shows the three types of cover letters and specifics for each. • http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_checklist.html • This is another method to help you review your cover letter to make sure it is accomplishing the objective.

6. More Cover Letter Resources • http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_samples.html • This site shows samples for different types of positions, different formats for the letters and different audiences. Might be good for those who need some inspiration to get started or those who are looking for something a little different. • http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php • Another website offering suggestions and advice on cover letters. It gives generic information, but provides a list of additional resources including university career center websites. • http://www.smartbiz.com/article/articleview/55/1/8/ • This Smartbiz.com article gives lists of career cover letter blunders to avoid. Definitely worth a look! • http://www.wecc.rpi.edu/cover_letter.html • Another good how-to example. • http://www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills.html • This is an article reviewing the concept of transferable skills and • how to use them in your cover letters and resumes. • If you find others, please share! Email us and we’ll add it to • the list!

7. Review your cover letter for… • Inclusion of where you heard about the position and what position (including all relevant job numbers or classifications for the job listing) you are applying for. Many cover letters go to the Human Resources department. • Applicability to the position applying for. Is it specific or is it a generic mass-produced letter? • Inclusion of important responsibilities even if they were not primary duties

8. Region II Resume/Cover Letter Review • Want another professional to review your resume and/or cover letter? • Send it to Dawn Sanner (dawn_sanner@ncsu.edu) to have it reviewed by at least two current recreation professionals. • Emails are best, but faxes can be send to (919) 513-0151. • Resumes and cover letters can be sent anytime, but recommended by March 15 to stay on pace to prepare for the conference.

9. A big thanks goes to….. • All of the websites and organizations who are sharing their information on the web for all to be educated and informed • Troy Vaughn for all of his opinions and wealth of information he shares without question • Melanie Freeman and Linda Clauss for their great inspiration and leadership on the project. They are the definition of students serving students.