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Professional Cover Letters and References

Professional Cover Letters and References. MGMT3890 Career Preparation. What is a Cover Letter?. A Cover Letter ... Accompanies and complements your resume It is a customized appeal to a specific prospective employer Attempts to arouse interest. What purpose does the cover letter serve?.

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Professional Cover Letters and References

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  1. Professional Cover Letters and References MGMT3890 Career Preparation

  2. What is a Cover Letter? A Cover Letter ... • Accompanies and complements your resume • It is a customized appeal to a specific prospective employer • Attempts to arouse interest

  3. What purpose does the cover letter serve? The cover letter… • introduces the writer and the resume • indicates an interest in a particular position • explains briefly what you have to offer • requests an interview

  4. What are the formatting guidelines? • Copy/paste your personalized resume letterhead • Generate the letter electronically • Send the letter to a specific person (or use a department title) • Avoid the over-use of “I” • Keep it to one page no more than four paragraphs • Have three people proof-read the letter

  5. Main Contents of a Cover Letter • Introduction – attracts the reader’s interest (the first 20 words are the most important) • Body - documents your assets (creates a desire to know more about you) • Competitive Edge • Closing – restates your interest with a follow-up date (opens door for them to initiate contact sooner)

  6. How should it be constructed? Paragraph One • Identify person/source who made you aware of the opening • List the specific job title • Mention 2 to 3 of the most important job qualifications (education, experience, expertise)

  7. Paragraph 2 • Develops a mirror-image of your qualifications as they match the job requirements in Paragraph 1 Caution: • Avoid sentences beginning with “I” • Use “my” and “me” as alternative personal reference terms

  8. Paragraph 3 • Acts as your competitive edge • Describes your skills, experience, expertise, and education that exceed minimum job requirements • Entices prospective employer to offer you an interview • Sets you apart from other qualified applicants

  9. Paragraph 4 • Acts as a ‘call to action’ • Makes a specific commitment to contact the individual/company • Invites prospective employers to respond more quickly if they desire

  10. Be sure to… • Sign your document • Include “Enclosure” designation • Proofread, proofread, proofread

  11. Selecting References What to Consider… And How to Create a Reference Sheet

  12. What is a Reference? • Acts as a recommendation or endorsement • Types of references: • Professional or Educational (select 3) • Personal (select 1) • Associates who have given you permission to use their names and contact information • Individuals who can vouch for your professional skills, abilities, and technical expertise

  13. Why do I need references? References are a critical part of the pre-employment process. They verify your skills, abilities, and experience. Selected references act as your cheering section. Their credibility reflects on you.

  14. How do I select a professional reference? • Select someone who can document your abilities in a positive manner • Vouch for your work capabilities, attitude, abilities, and past performance • Include previous employers, co-workers, professors or instructors • Choose credible professionals and community leaders

  15. What about personal references? • Avoid using family members—particularly if they have the same last name • Consider the length of the relationship • Select a credible friend of the family or community leader

  16. What responsibility do I have to a reference? • Call and prepare your references after each interview • Provide your references with a current resume • Indicate the names of companies with whom you have applied • Identify specific accomplishments pertinent to the position applied for

  17. How do I Construct a Reference Sheet? • Use the same personalized letterhead as your resume and cover letter • Make sure the information is balanced on the page • Double-check addresses and phone numbers for accuracy • Be consistent • Include professional/courtesy titles

  18. Example: References Mr. Mark Allison 123 West 456 South, Lehi, UT 84043 Cell: 801.555.8088 Email: M_Allison@aol.com OR References Philip Milken, Ph.D. Professor of Economics, School of Business Utah Valley State College Orem, UT 84058-5999 Phone: 801.863.5555

  19. Paper, Printing & Mailing • Use good quality off-white, cream, gray or ivory bond paper – no heavy texture or bright colors • Use the same paper, font type, and point size for all pre-employment documents • Use a paperclip not staples • Use a good quality printer • Mail in a large manila envelop with a printed label

  20. Assignments 7, 8 & 9 • Prepare a Resume, Cover Letter and Reference Sheet for selected position • Bring a hard copy next class period • Use a paperclip--DO NOT staple documents NOTE: Template created documents are unacceptable

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