Cover Letters: Selling your skills on paper Welcome! My name is Jan Flight and I’ll be your facilitator today. This workshop is designed to give you a review of how to put together a cover letter. Pass out the “Selling Yourself on Paper” and a Resume Booklet (end of class). Please feel free to ask questions at any time during this workshop. The Career Place Connecting Workers and Employers

What is a cover letter? Your formal introduction The first read, it can make or break your entry A ‘must’ with your resume Your cover letter is your formal introduction of yourself. When looking at job positions, everyone should have (and include) a cover letter (even when emailing, if acceptable). Hard copy to mail. Keep copy for reference. Determines screening out process so it can “make” or “break” your opportunities for the interview. An effective cover letter can impress an employer and sway a decision to interview you. A poorly written cover letter can cause your resume to end up in the rejection pile. Who will be receiving this material? This determines how and what you address in your letter. Use a template to “fine” tune. Some employers look for a cover letter, others will not, but you have no way of knowing so be proactive. This is a best way to emphasize your highlights.

Generating interest The goal is to get an interview! Should be brief and interesting Should not be a carbon copy of your resume Should highlight what you’ll bring to the job Should be versatile, suitable for several jobs Should never be sent in ‘form letter’ style Everything they’re looking for should be in your cover letter! Keep it brief but interesting! Show how you can be an asset to this company! Success Stories! If necessary, change the information to make it suitable. ALWAYS edit and proof read your letters! Have someone else read it through. Don’t ever send in “form letter” style. This indicates not much thought was put into it.

Presenting yourself in two ways A cover letter comes in two basic forms… Letter of application Letter of inquiry Most cover letters are considered “letter of application”. A “letter of inquiry” would be a form used for an “informational interview” in which you are inquiring about a position or company.

Letter of application Targeted for a specific ad Outline skills to meet company’s needs Helpful to use ad’s terms, lingo This is the most common. You’re targeting or answering a specific ad such as “Boston Globe or Boston Works”. What are they looking for? Make sure you outline your specific skills that meet the company’s needs……give examples, if possible. It’s always helpful if you can ad or give back the “lingo” they use. Use the same terms/language from the ad or job description in your letter. Most common with “graphic” designers or engineers.

Letter of inquiry A marketing tool to… Obtain an informational interview Correspond with a networking contact Conduct company/industry research Sometimes referred to as a “broadcast letter”. This is more of a marketing tool – usually done if you have an “in” with the company or have a contact. A good way to obtain an informational interview. Or if you are targeting networking contacts or people for informational interviews. The intent is to introduce yourself and your skills without sending a resume. Target companies that you may be interested in or that may have a type of position that you are looking for. Not too common!!!

Create the right impression: 10 Tips 1. Letter geared for specific job opening Adapt letter to needs of the job you want Refer to that job in opening sentences 2. Describe your related skills Tie your experience to your skills Show how they directly relate to the job description Ref: Rileyguide.com 1. First paragraph should identify the position and where you heard about it! For example, “as advertised in the Boston Globe on 5/3”. Give examples so they see what your skills are! Look at the description and give back your relation to the job. 2. HAND OUT SAMPLE OF “EXECUTIVE BRIEFING” STYLE COVER LETTER using T-Bar format. Explain. Every word should have an impact! Don’t use “I” to describe yourself. Also, take out the word “the” to shorten body of letter.

Create the right impression: 10 Tips 3. Make it personal Address letter to a specific person If you don’t have a contact, call and ask Use a comma after the name 4. Create a catchy opener Readers scan for content Open with attention-grabbing sentences Describe why you’re the best for the job Try to get the name of the HR person and/or maybe director – another marketing tool. Note: Contraversy re using “comma” after salutation! I would use a comma ONLY if it was on a personal basis. Normally this would appear in the 3rd paragraph of your letter. What will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates? Be creative. Any examples?? “I’m the person you’re looking for!”

Create the right impression: 10 Tips 5. Include vital information Name, address, phone with area code Should be clearly visible First thing reader will need to contact you 6. Type and proofread It’s your first impression…make it good Be sure it’s neat and professional Errors will reflect badly on you Also include email address! Cell phone is strictly optional (think of when you would be answering that call!) First impressions are lasting! Make it good! Again, keep it to one page, professional, and appealing. Check for typos!!

Create the right impression: 10 Tips 7. Keep it brief Use action words, active sentences Limit letter to one page Three or four paragraphs 8. Be confident, creative, enthusiastic It’s a tool to sell your best asset…you! Let your personality shine in your letter Use action words! Every word should have an impact. Limit contents to 3-4 paragraphs or use T-bar format. This is your rap up and time to sell yourself!

Create the right impression: 10 Tips 9. Keep copies Keep a copy of every letter you send Past letters make job search easier Copies make follow up easier 10. Request a response Your letter is written to get an interview Ask for one! Use your copies as references to refer back on – makes it easier for follow ups. Don’t hesitate to call within a week or so. Follow up is good! Tap into our Resume Guide (pass out) for examples of cover letters – page 36 – 39. Executive Briefing on 39. Your letter is written to get an interview so end with “looking forward to interviewing with you” – then do a follow up! Lastly, be sure to sign your letter. You’d be surprised how many people forget!