 It’s one of your job search tools.  It ‘covers’ something your resume doesn’t.  It communicates your interest in a position.  It states why you are qualified for the position.

Why Do I Need It? What Do I Need? How Do I Write One?

 The cover letter is your ticket to ask for a job interview.  It’s an introduction of you – a preview of what is to come.  If written well, it should interest the employer to read your resume or if crafted poorly, the employer will toss it!

 The Employment Posting Just One Thing… DENTAL HYGIENIST NEEDED We are looking for a certified hygienist with excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to grow with our three doctor specialty dental practice in Center City Philadelphia. Our hygiene pool is expanding, although during the growth phase of your production at our practice we will need you to assist periodontal and dental implant surgeries. This is an excellent opportunity to grow a hygiene base, but also to gain a firm understanding of periodontal therapy while assisting. At the moment our needs are part-time as follows: Hygiene - Thursday PM, Friday AM Assisting - Tuesday AM, Thursday AM & every other Monday Full day cover letter and resume to:

Just like a resume, there is a specific layout used when creating your cover letter. This format is as follows: Date Employer’s Mailing Address Salutation First Paragraph Second Paragraph Closing Paragraph Closing

Mr. Charles Sweettooth Director of Human Resources Dental Mental 123 Root Canal, Suite 100 Bryn Mawr, PA Ms. Geena Minkle General Manager Smiles-R-US 456 Frown Drive Upset, MN 49254

Dear Dr. Ralph Mouth, Dear Mr. J. Hopkins, Dear Mrs. Rasputen, Dear Ms. Marchelowtiz, Dear Professor Smith, Dear Father Mitchell, Try your best to identify to whom you should address your cover letter. Sometimes, it just takes a phone call to the company, reviewing their company website, etc. Take that extra step! But, What If I Still Can’t Figure It Out?

 Review the job posting handout.  First Assignment Include: -The Date -Employer Contact -Salutation

This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Provide the reason why you are writing the letter. 2. State the source of the job opening. 3. Express interest in the position. Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Dental Hygienist position with Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

 Review the job posting handout.  Write the First Paragraph.

This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Provide the reason why you are writing the letter. 2. State the source of the job opening. 3. Express interest in the position. Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Dental Hygienist position with Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while connecting them to the position you are applying. 2. Be honest with your skill set. 3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your resume. What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your Resume? Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Dental Hygienist at Harcum College. While completing my three-month clinical at Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a Dental Hygienist.

 Review the job posting handout.  Write the Second Paragraph.

This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while connecting them to the position you are applying. 2. Be honest with your skill set. 3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your resume. What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your Resume? Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Dental Hygienist at Harcum College. While completing my three-month clinical at Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a Dental Hygienist.

This paragraph should contain 4 key components: 1. Request an interview or announce the next step. 2. Express your continued interest in the position. 3. Provide a method and information for contacting you. 4. Thank them!!! I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Dental Hygienist position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

 Review the job posting handout.  Write the Closing Paragraph.

This paragraph should contain 4 key components: 1. Request an interview or announce the next step. 2. Express your continued interest in the position. 3. Provide a method and information for contacting you. 4. Thank them!!! I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Dental Hygienist position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Follow your closing paragraph with: Sincerely, Very Truly Yours, Sincerely yours, Sincerely, Robert H. Harpon Enclosure What’s This????

 Write the Closing.

January 20, 2010 Mr. Charles Sweettooth Director of Human Resources Dental Mental 123 Root Canal, Suite 100 Bryn Mawr, PA Dear Mr. Sweettooth, Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Dental Hygienist position with Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position. Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Dental Hygienist at Harcum College. While completing my three- month clinical at Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a Dental Hygienist. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Dental Hygienist position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly. Sincerely, Robert H. Harpon Enclosure

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