WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER? Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think is the purpose of a cover letter? Write the participants answers on the board Discussion Helper/Potential answers to the question To allow employer to hear who you are and what you have to offer in your own voice. (Sentences rather than point form) To target your application package To show your interest and fit for that position/company Sets you apart from the pack of applicants Shows your communication skills and style ( written) Show cases your research skills by what you reference/answer the ads

Presents your interest and qualifications to the employer Inspires employer to look at your resume It’s YOUR chance to make a good first impression Facilitator notes: Talk to the group about the importance of making a first impression and presenting there interest and qualifications in the position. Discussion: What are first impressions when writing a cover letter? The layout Correct spelling The presentation of the package Grammar Your qualifications Researching the company Addressing the letter Activity: Do’s and Don'ts when writing cover letters Card game.

A good cover letter will prompt an employer to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume. A bad cover letter or no cover letter is enough to cause an employer to move on to the next applicant.

CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER Headings Salutation/Greeting Introductory paragraph 1st main paragraph 2nd main paragraph Closing paragraph Complimentary Close a.) Yours Truly/Sincerely b.) Signature and enclosure Options: Ask participants what they think should be included in the sections of a cover letter? Brainstorm with participants and write on board. Activity:

TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER Tell the employer WHY you would be valuable to the company & HOW you can deliver results. Back up your skills with YOUR accomplishment statements from your past experiences and relate to the position & company’s goals. Facilitator notes: Discussion: Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job? Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this position really a good match for me?” Ask the question “ why am I struggling.” Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT” 5

SALUTATIONS/GREETING Preferred Salutations Dear Mr. Dear Mrs. Dear Ms. Dear Dr. Dear Sir or Madam Alternate Salutations Attention: Personal Manager Attention: Name of Organization Representative Facilitator notes: Ask the participants what they think are appropriate salutations to use in a cover letter. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Discuss why not to use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN” Its too generic Doesn’t show your keen interest or you ability to research the contact person Discuss HOW to get the contact person Phone Internet search Reverse phone number Yellow Pages Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”

COVER LETTER OPENING (intro) The position you are applying for and the position/job number if given Where you saw the posting. Include name and date of publication If you were referred for the position, give the name of that person Express your interest for the position Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the opening paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. ACTIVITY: Show examples of different opening paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not. DISCUSSION: the opening paragraph should only be one Speak to the process of the opening State it is always the hardest part but you want to create a “HOOK” to peak the readers interest

OPENING EXAMPLE In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position. 8

1st Main Paragraph Why you are suited for the job How your skills and qualifications match the specific job requirements listed in the add Include related experience, training, and attributes Try to provide an example Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the body paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Show examples of different body paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not. DISCUSSION: Could be more than one paragraph, depending on the position Examples: Front line customer service-keep it short. Management, supervisor, director, etc may be longer.

RESEARCH THE COMPANY What makes that company/organization Why are they there? Hiring trends/employment needs The company’s history Desired qualifications and skills General job information Facilitator Notes: Ask the participants why they think its important to research the company. Ask participants what type of things they should be looking for when researching the company? DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY How do you research a company? Take participants through an example of researching a company: Look at their website, find their mission statement, Find their career section and read the job postings. Click on the link in the right hand corner to link to Google and search the web for employers that your clients may be interested in applying for. Example of sites: Safeway RBC PCRS Earls McDonalds Red Robin Starbucks Walmart

BODY TELL THE READER: What makes you well suited to the job or company How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission, vision and values of the organization. Talk about why you are the right type of person for this job/team or company Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their employee puzzle. Focus on the EMPLOYER Facilitator notes: Refer to the slide of researching the company and the importance of understanding what the employer is looking for.

BODY EXAMPLE I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions. I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously . Facilitator notes:

BODY EXAMPLE continued… I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- LaCrosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals. Facilitator notes: 13

CLOSING PARAGRAPH Restate your interest in the position and mention how you will be an asset to the company State your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview to discuss your skills and passion in person List your contact information and when you can be reached to schedule your interview Include your home phone number, cell number and/ or email address. Thank them for their time. Facilitator notes: Ask the group what they think should be included in the closing paragraph. Brainstorm as a group and write on the board. Activity: Show or read out loud examples of different closing paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.

EXAMPLES I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be reached at 604-555-5555, or by email at bbarista@anymail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this exciting opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail.com.

COMPLIMENTARY CLOSINGS Yours Truly Sincerely Respectfully

EXAMPLES Yours Truly, B Barista Barbara Barista Sincerely, B Barista Barbara Barista

Dear Mrs. Pierce: In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position. I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions.  I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- LaCrosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.   I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals. I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be reached at 604-555-5555, or by email at bbarista@anymail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,                            Barbara Barista

Submitting Your Cover Letter & Resume Cut & Paste text from both into online applications OR The text of your email functions as the cover letter, then attach your resume as a Word or PDF document Follow submission instructions stated in the job ad!

Assess this Cover Letter Dear Mr. Zuckerberg - Attached please find my resume in response to youre advertisement in the San Francisco Times for a Chief Technical Guru. I believe my sophisticated technical skills, combined with my superior communication abilities, make me an ideal candidate for a position at Facebook. I currently play video games 24/7, even when I should be studying. My reaction time surpasses that of an Army sniper. I have mastered the ability to shower and eat within 5 seconds while keeping my hands on the controller. My teachers complain that I will never amount to anything but I know that companies as forward-thinking as Facebook need individuals with my unique qualifications. I look forward to speaking with you in about this opportunity. My gamer tag is waitingtograduate14. Sincerely, Steve Halo

Resume & Cover Letter Assignment Look on my website for the job ad posting Tailor your resume and cover letter to meet job requirements Submit your resume & cover letter via email by 11:59pm on Monday, September 11 Assignment is worth 50 points One candidate from each class will be selected as top candidate and receive an extra 10 points