Technical Writing By : sara yousef serry Information tech. departement

Job Skills: 1- How to Write an Effective Cover Letter Sara Yousef CPIT 221

Cover Letter Writing  Contents of a Cover Letter  Tips and additional pointers  Sample Cover Letters

Cover Letters  A cover letter gives you another chance to emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization.  Explain which job interests you and why.  Catch the reader’s attention by explaining how your skills will contribute to the company.  Convince the reader you are qualified for the job by highlighting impressive qualifications in your CV.  Request an interview.

Goals of the Cover Letter Provide a good first impression/opinion for the reader. To quickly and clearly point out your skills, knowledge, and track record. Persuades the reader to continue on to your resume with positive expectations.

Rules of a Cover Letter Targeting your message. Spotlight your accomplishments and measurable results. Focus on what you have to offer. Send your letter to a specific individual  Spell their name right!!!  Helps to use the person you got their contact info from Include contact info and ask them to contact you

Remember: It’s a letter!  Your Name Address Phone Number Address  Date  Employer’s Name/title Company Address  Dear …

Cover Letter Format Opening paragraph –State position for which you’re applying and how you found out about it. –If you were referred by someone, indicate whom. Middle paragraph(s) –Build connection between qualifications and company’s needs. –Focus on skills, education, experience. –Emphasize strongest attributes that relate to the position you’re applying for. –Grammar, spelling, punctuation are important. Closing paragraph –Restate interest in position, demonstrate how your qualifications fit the position. –Include contact info again, and either offer to contact them or ask them for an interview. –.

Opening Paragraph  How did you hear about the job?  Mutual contact? Ad?  What is the specific job title?  Why are you interested in the job?  Be enthusiastic  Demonstrate your knowledge of the company

Example opening paragraph  PC Financial is a technologically advanced, customer service oriented financial institution and I am excited to formally apply for the position of Senior Administrative Assistant, as advertised in the Mississauga News.

BodyBody  Show through examples that you’re qualified for the job.  Limit each paragraph to one point  Clearly state that point in the topic sentence.  For example, one paragraph about work experience and one about education achievements.

Body continued…  Support the topic sentence with examples and details  Don’t just summarize the CV. Show how your qualifications can help the company  It is important that you change your cover letter for each company. Employers look for communication skills and this is the first place they see your skills – do it well.  Revolve every sentence in your letter around the company’s needs and expectations

Closing paragraph  Request an interview.  Include contact information.  End with a statement of good will  Thank you, I look forward to…

Remember: It’s a letter!  End with:  Sincerely, Respectfully yours, Best regards, …  Include a handwritten signature above your typed name  Write Enclosure: CV Also, check out some of the many examples in your book and on the Internet!

Top Cover Letter Mistakes  Not using letter format.  Spelling/grammar mistakes.  Writing only about you  Demonstrate your knowledge of the company  Using unsupported claims  Always prove with examples  Listing unrelated skills/qualifications  Too long, not concise

Sample Cover Letter Your Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Contact Phone # Today’s Date Addressee’s Name Professional Title Organization Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Last Name,

Sample Cover Letter, cont. Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Last Name, Start your letter with a statement that establishes a connection with the reader. Briefly say what job you are applying for. The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You may incorporate a bullet-point format here. Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (ie, call the employer) or should instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying “Thank you”. Sincerely, Your hand-written signature Your name (typed) Enclosure: resume Format: Use block format (all justified left), single spaced, double-spaced between paragraphs.

Sample Cover Letter Dear Mr. Morris, John Lovell advised me of a foreman position that is available at your company. From my enclosed resume, you will find that my experience meets the requirements you have outlined for the position. As the former manger of a small business, I appreciate the important of a following that comes from the recommendations of satisfied clients. I am considered a diplomatic manager, which enables me to get along well with clients, supervisors, and crew. My ability to maintain high morale among workers increases retention and contributes to safety, a crucial factor in the success of construction work. On Monday, I’ll call you to see when we can meet for an interview. Sincerely,

Sample Cover Letter Director of Human Resources: Dear Director, A teaching position at your school has long been a career objective of mine. Now that I’ve earned my Utah Childcare Credential, I am eager to apply for a position on your childcare team. After reading my enclosed resume, please consider me for any appropriate position in your system. My desire to work with children is strong and I believe that once I join your staff, we will together discover my niche. I will call you on Friday to learn what positions are open for the fall. Thank you!

Conclusion: Test your understanding  Name one reason why we write a CV.  Explain which job interests you and why  Catch the reader’s attention by explaining how your skills will contribute to the company  Convince the reader you are qualified for the job by highlighting impressive qualifications in your CV  Request an interview  What should the opening paragraph achieve?  Explain how you heard about the job  Stat the job title you are interested in  Explain why you are interested in the job  Demonstrate your knowledge of the company

Your assignment  While surfing KAU’s website you found an interesting ad seeking student technicians to assist, part-time, with the maintenance of the lab computers  Write a CV and cover letter to represent you in this job  Assume I am the contact person responsible for hiring a suitable candidate

Your assignment  Include the following sections:  Personal information, Career objective, Education, Achievements, Experience, Skills, Computer skills, Extracurricular activities/affiliations, Interests, References  Do NOT fabricate or use imaginative credentials

Insha Allah next Monday…  Be prepared for a workshop to show me your work in progress, ask me, and get feedback  This assignment is insha Allah due Saturday October 17 th at the beginning of class  For 10% of your final grade Wishing you all success…

See u next week isa See u next week isa