COVER LETTERS & PERSONAL STATEMENTS

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? In most cases, it is a one-page description of why you want the position and how you are qualified Provides in more detail the accomplishments highlighted in your resume Is subjective, showing connection to the job/field Is a writing sample Goal is to get an interview

HERE IS HOW TO START Job Description - Identify 3 – 5 skills/requirements Choose a specific example of when/how you demonstrated that skill What other skills did you use? What are the 3 – 5 things you want them to know about you? First Create an Outline Then Provide Detail

Evidence + Artifacts = Examples EVIDENCE IS KEY PROVE IT! Evidence + Artifacts = Examples Choose 8 – 10 Items from your Accomplishments to create a Showcase Portfolio

Cover letter outline Formal letter header Salutation #1 Introduction #2 Relevant skill sets #3 Why this company/job? #4 Appreciation/conclusion

Formal Letter header 123 Maple Ave NE Bothell, WA 98011 jstudent@uw.edu ( un-hyperlink) 206.555.1212 ( double check) Date Dr. Sally Jones Hiring Manager Acme Company 1122 Business St SW Seattle, WA 98103

SALUTATION- MAKE AN EFFORT Best- “Dear Dr. Jones:” ( use colon) Try to find a name Contact Human Resources “Who is the hiring manager for this position?” Research on website Find person in charge of department Contact the person Check status of application Ask a question that isn’t evident elsewhere Fine line between enthusiasm and annoyance Last Resort- “Dear Hiring Manager:”

FIRST PARAGRAPH- INTRODUCTION Say what position you are applying “I am submitting my application for your Social Media Manager position at Eddie Bauer that was posted on HuskyJobs.” This is the time to name drop “One of the reasons I am interested in applying for this position is I recently spoke with Larry Wilson, Social Media Associate, and learned how your company is leveraging social media to increase your marketing reach and my skills could help you continue to grow your presence.” List your targeted transferable skills “My 2 years experience in designing social media strategies, implementing marketing plans and designing advertising in academia and business settings are a great fit for the skills and qualifications you outlined. This is the “hook” and what will make them want to read the rest of your letter in more detail.

SECOND PARAGRAPH- RELEVANT SKILLS Choose the 3-5 skill sets outlined in the job description that you can back up with evidence from your eportfolios Matching what they are looking for with the skills and experience that you have Do not re-hash your resume Should “wow” them to read your resume by highlighting relevant skills to tell specific and detailed stories

CUSTOMIZE YOUR APPLICATION Job description explains what the employer is looking for to customize your application Tell the unique value you bring Match the tone of the company/organization/industry Incorporate keywords - Run the description and your cover letter through Tag Crowd ( a wordcloud site)

THIRD PARAGRAPH- WHY THIS JOB? Missing from most cover letters and probably most important: Why do you want this job/position Make the employer feel “special” > “You are a great company to work for” Show that you have done your research: company website (about, values, mission statement), annual reports, GlassDoor.com, Google News Match their mission with your accomplishments

FOURTH PARAGRAPH- APPRECIATION Conclude your cover letter “I hope that you can see that my qualifications match closely with your requested skill sets. After reviewing my application, I wish to have an opportunity to discuss in more detail why my skills might be a good fit for your company.” Do not be too aggressive or presumptuous Be gracious and professional Add “Sincerely,” with your name

EDIT AND PROOFREAD Fill in the details Edit, edit, edit -- a simple mistake can cost you the interview Use resources, like Career Services or the Writing Center on campus Now look at examples of cover letters to see if you want to change anything Customize for each job you apply for backing claims with evidence

WHERE DO I FIND JOBS? Job listings: Target companies directly Husky Jobs Indeed.com Career Center News LinkedIn Target companies directly Networking Events & Career Fairs

WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT? Used when applying for graduate/professional schools or scholarships Similar purpose to cover letter/different audience It is a writing sample describing your reasons for choosing this field, goals and accomplishments Tells the story of “why”

A PERSONAL STATEMENT COMMUNICATES FIVE THINGS: 1. Writing ability - grammar, punctuation, organization, creativity, expression, etc 2. Connections between your past education / experiences and future goals. 3. Your philosophy of the field and why you are pursuing an opportunity in that area. 4. What makes you unique and how you can add to the diversity of the program 5. How you can be an asset to the organization or the school, now and in the future

RESEARCH YOUR SCHOOL & PROGRAM Know the program specifics/focus Review the faculty and their research Attend an information session Network and connect with admission, faculty & students Know the application well and personal statement prompt

WHERE TO LEARN ABOUT GRADUATE SCHOOLS? Your Professors & Faculty Advisors Career Counselors Academic Advisors Program specific information sessions Gradschools.com WOIS.org (site key: ydq489) Graduate & Professional School Resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW. UWB ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.UWB.EDU/CAREERS SAMPLE COVER LETTERS GUIDELINES FOR WRITING COVER LETTERS AND PERSONAL STATEMENTS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CAREER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE TO REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS I encourage you to utilize the resources and wish you the best of luck in your applications.