How to Write a Cover Letter

Before You Begin… Update your resume Research the business/organization you are applying to Analyze the job, and determine the most important skills / experiences the employer is looking for Find the name of the manager in charge of the department you are applying to, and address the letter to them

Starting at the Top… Provide your personal information (Align LEFT), Skip 1-2 lines, Write the date the employer will receive it (Align LEFT) FirstName LastName (BOLD) Street City, Province, POSTAL CODE Phone: (519) 555-5555 May 22nd, 2012

Address to Employer Find specific mailing information of employer – Align LEFT, and begin 1-2 lines below the date Address to specific manager (1-2 lines below address) Name of Recipient Job Title Company Street City, Province, Postal Code Dear Mr. / Ms. LastName,

Introductory Paragraph State the position you are applying for State your current situation in terms of work / volunteer experience /school that directly relates to the position State the personal qualities you have that will allow you to help the company / organization achieve its’ goals

Example 1) Your role or current job. ”an avid volunteer as a Bantam Baseball Coach" ”valued two-year employee in the fast-food industry" 2) A general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying. "an outstanding background in Riverside’s Baseball League" "a solid history of dependability and accountability" 3) A positive description of the employer. "what many consider to be the highest quality baseball complex in the city of Windsor" "a well-established company with a long history of gourmet creativity" 4) Assets you can offer to the company. List 1 -3

Example cont’d… Now, insert the lines YOU completed about yourself on the last slide into the following paragraph: As a (1) with (2), I am eager to contribute my abilities and experience to (3). Given my (4), I believe I can help (employer name) achieve its mission and goals as a (position).

Body Paragraph Key skills/experiences/accomplishments, and how they can help the company achieve its mission List 2 - 3 of these Be specific!! If you do not use direct examples, you are not showing that you are right for the job.

Closing Paragraph Always end on a positive note: I would like to continue contributing my abilities and experiences to (employer name) and would be happy to discuss in further detail how I accomplish this. My resume is enclosed for your convenience. Feel free to contact me at (phone number and/or e-mail address). Thank-you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Signature Sincerely, (Sign Your ORIGINAL Signature) FirstName LastName (TYPED)

FirstName LastName (BOLD) Street City, Province, POSTAL CODE Phone: (519) 555-5555 May 22nd, 2012 Name of Recipient Job Title Company Street City, Province, Postal Code Dear Mr. / Ms. LastName,

As a (1) with (2), I am eager to contribute my abilities and experience to (3). Given my (4), I believe I can help (employer name) achieve its mission and goals as a (position). Body Paragraph – Key skills / experiences / accomplishments that make you perfect for the position.

Conclusion - I would like to continue contributing my abilities and experiences to (employer name) and would be happy to discuss in further detail how I accomplish this. My resume is enclosed for your convenience. Feel free to contact me at (phone number and/or e-mail address). Thank-you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, (Sign Your ORIGINAL Signature) FirstName LastName (TYPED)