Writing An Effective Cover Letter

Purpose The purpose of a cover letter is to tell a prospective employer what you can do and why you feel you are qualified It is an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and it opens a window to your personality A good well-planned cover letter is just as important as an impressive resume, and together they form an important resource in your job campaign

Keys to Effective Cover Letters Tell the employers what you can do for the company, instead of what the company can do for you Find out about the employer’s needs, then emphasize what you can do to meet their needs Consider how your work experience, education, and/or personal qualities would be helpful to the employer

What are cover letters for? Used to get your resume read and generate interviews Used to respond to job advertisements and demonstrate that your qualifications fit the position Link major job dimensions with your related past performance, experience, interests, and education RESPONDS TO COMPANY’S NEEDS!

Writing Style It is addressed to a specific individual  If you do not know whom to write this to specifically, then you should address it “To Whom It May Concern” It grabs the reader’s attention in the first paragraph It sounds confident without being arrogant It is no longer than one page It answers the question: “Why should we hire you?” It uses the first person (“I”) sparingly

Cover Letter Format Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date Name of Person Job Title Company/Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code Dear Mr./Dr./Ms../Mrs. XXXXXXXXX:

First Paragraph The beginning of your letter should catch the reader’s attention, but avoid catchy phrases and gimmicks Also, tell why you are writing … Name the specific position of which you are applying for Mention the resource used in finding about the opening or company/organization

Sample First Paragraph It is with great interest that I am applying for the position of Volunteer Management within Villa Rosa. I learned about this opportunity from Kristen Hall, of your Volunteer Program, who highly encouraged me to apply. I believe that my educational background in Child and Family Development combined with my extensive experience at the Columbus YWCA and my excellent interpersonal skills make me a strong candidate for the position.

Second Paragraph Explain why you are interested in working for that employer or in that field of work Explain what your qualifications are…  Academic background/training  Work experience  Personal skills Point out achievements that relate to the field in which you are applying for Connect them to the company’s needs and show them you have researched them

Sample Second Paragraph What appeals to me about Villa Rosa is your wide range of vital services to young mothers and expectant mothers including a prenatal residential program and the Postnatal House. As you can see in my enclosed resume I have developed the skills that will make us a good fit. My Bachelor ‘s degree in Child and Family Development and my Volunteer Management course taken at the Volunteer Center of Columbus have acquainted me with the principles of volunteer recruitment, training, motivation, supervision, and evaluation. I have considerable experience in working with young women in a helping capacity, both through my position as a peer counselor at the Columbus YWCA, and as a camp counselor at a camp for behaviorally troubled adolescents. I can also offer you my experience in individual counseling, facilitating discussion groups, and teaching young people about health issues – all of which relate directly to the services which I would be training volunteers to provide within your organization. I enjoy working with youth and possess a strong desire to facilitate positive development in both the young women directly served by your programs, as well as their children. I believe firmly in the value of your services, and would like the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with your organization.

Closing Paragraph Give information on how you can be contacted Express appreciation End with closing, signature, and typed name

Sample Closing Paragraph I will welcome the opportunity to discuss with you my suitability for this position. You can contact me at (614) or by to at your convenience. Thank you very much for your time and Respectfully yours, Brutus Buckeye

Cover Letter Checklist Before mailing a cover letter, can you answer the following questions below with a YES… Is it clear? Does it state exactly what you want it to state? Is it concise? Does it state what I want it to state in the fewest possible words? Is it well organized? Am I projecting to the employer or college the contribution I can make? Have I stressed areas in my experience and/or education that are relevant to the person reading it?

Sample Cover Letters Link: ulum_LP-5.pdf ulum_LP-5.pdf