Cover Letters: Selling your skills on paper By Sharpay Huang

What is a cover letter? A supplement to the resume that includes more detailed information about yourself Show our qualifications to a job A ‘must’ with your resume to let you stand out Expresses your interest in a position Request for an interview

A Few Things To Keep In Mind The goal is to get an interview! Should be brief and interesting Limit to one page, 3-4 paragraphs Complement your resume, not repeat Give employers reasons to hire you

Format Font that matches your resume Typical business formatting Clearly visible contact information on top ---- A return address, the date, and the address of the recipient Address the letter to a specific person at the company you are applying to

To whom do I address the letter to? Here are some ideas on how to get the name of a specific person: Look in the job ad for the contact person. Call the company for more information. Research the company's website for the person in charge of the department you are applying to, or a person in Human Resources. Or to a group ( e.g. Hiring Professionals, Selection Committee)

Example of Heading and Greetings Craig M. Leroix 2987 W. Taylor Dr. Portland, OR February 2, 2005 Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director Western Electric, Inc. 387 Collier Lane Atlanta, Georgia Dear Ms. Kincaid: Dear Pat Thompson: Dear Hiring Professionals: Dear Selection Committee:

Opening Paragraph --Grab ATTENTION!! Tell who you are List your references or how you heard about the job Discuss the position you are applying for Indicate why you are interested in the company and the job Highlight the main points you will focus in the letter

Which sounds better? I am writing today to apply for the account manager position you have posted on your company Website I have increased the size and sales levels of my client base in every position I have held, which in turn has increased the revenues and profits of my employers. I want to bring this same success to the account position you have posted on your Website.

Think about this… 1. How can I show I am qualified for this position and that I am a good match for the organization? 2. What have I done that illustrates these qualifications?

Body Paragraph -- Tell stories! Emphasize your strongest qualifications or top selling points --Focus on personal qualities and special skills that enhance your qualifications Show how these qualifications make you a ideal person for the job Provide examples of your achievements that have benefited previous companies Tell the employer how you can directly contribute to the company

Closing Paragraph Give a final statement of interest/qualifications Ask for a interview Include your contact information Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration Sign your letter

Closing Paragraph Example Please take the time to look over my resume, and feel free to contact my references. I would love to further discuss this position in person. I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions you might have. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at Thank you for your time and consideration.

Final Recommendation  Let at least 3 people read it, get reviews, and revise your letter  Maintain a friendly and professional tone throughout the letter  Check for spelling errors and typos- professionalism is a must