The genre The purpose The game The Letter The genre The purpose The game

A Cover Letter “introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join …It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make…prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.” “What is a cover letter?” Purdue

A Cover Letter Guide -Davidson Steps to starting… 1) Research the employer (website, LinkedIn) 2) Analyze the job description carefully 3) Review your past experiences & decide which ones are relevant 4) Look for the name of the addressee & the address

Three Main Elements Thing 1: Thesis Statement— why are YOU the right fit? In this case, it would be that you are an excellent candidate for a given opportunity (i.e. job description of your choice) because of your specific skills, abilities, experience.

Elements Continued… Thing 2: Evidence— prove that you can do what you say Support your thesis statement with brief, specific examples of relevant skills, abilities or experiences that make you an excellent candidate.

And finally… Thing 3: Closing Statement— Your last thoughts Affirm your interest in the opportunity, request an interview or say when and how you will follow-up, and thank the employer for considering your application. Remember that cover/inquiry letters build a bridge between your resume and the opportunity at hand. Focus on the most relevant, strongest skills you bring to the employer.

So, let’s exercise the first part (15 min.) Find a potential employer/position Research the employer Analyze the job description Develop a list of questions: What does my reader want to know?

Partner exercise (60 min.) If you were to apply, how would you draft?

First, A conversation (5 min.) Face your partner. Explain the job & its requirements. How might you explain your… Experience   Responsibilities/Duties Skills Demonstrated or Gained (includes specialized training)

Now switch! (5 min.) Face your partner. Explain the job & its requirements. How might you explain your… Experience   Responsibilities/Duties Skills Demonstrated or Gained (includes specialized training)

Time to get a “shitty first draft” (15 min.) Your partner will be your typist—you dictate Use your “employer questions” Use the 3 element outline—thesis, evidence, closing statement No deleting No “starting over” Should feel weird & awkward SWITCH!

Let’s evaluate (10 min.) Read the draft aloud Partner 1: Typist Partner 2: Dictator Read the draft aloud What is your partner doing well? What are they not doing yet? Offer feedback. Listen. Take notes.

Switch! Evaluate (10 min.) Read the draft aloud Partner 1: Typist Partner 2: Dictator Read the draft aloud What is your partner doing well? What are they not doing yet? Offer feedback. Listen. Take notes.

Wrapping up: If there’s time Option 1: Develop your cover letter further and format it so that you can peer review it next week with the counselors. Option 2: Further revise and edit your digital story for another round of recording.