Dynamic Cover Letters Writing a Successful Cover Letter By Nancy LoBello

What is a Cover Letter Also Referred to as: Letter of Introduction Letter of Introduction Letter of Application Letter of Application Transmittal Letter Transmittal Letter Broadcast Letter Broadcast Letter

Why You Need a Cover Letter Your resume is useless without it Your resume is useless without it Informs employer as to what kind of work you do Informs employer as to what kind of work you do Type of position you are looking for Type of position you are looking for Your qualifications for the position Your qualifications for the position

Your Cover Letter Will… Highlight aspects of your experience that are most useful to the employer Highlight aspects of your experience that are most useful to the employer Call attention to your skills, talents, and experience Call attention to your skills, talents, and experience Explain things your resume can’t Explain things your resume can’t Open a “little window” into your dynamic personality Open a “little window” into your dynamic personality

Three Kinds of Cover Letters for Three Types of Job Searches The Invited Cover Letter The Invited Cover Letter -A job has been advertised The Uninvited Cover Letter The Uninvited Cover Letter -No job has been advertised, but you would like to work at this company Uninvited Cover Letter (with an edge) Uninvited Cover Letter (with an edge) -No job has been advertised, but a mutual friend has recommended you make contact

The Invited Cover letter Only 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised (open) Only 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised (open) -Newspaper, trade magazines, Web site postings -Employment agencies Enables you to speak to the requirements of the ad Enables you to speak to the requirements of the ad

The Uninvited Cover Letter (cold-contact letter) 80 percent of the job market is “closed” 80 percent of the job market is “closed” Can’t find out about these positions unless you dig Can’t find out about these positions unless you dig Proactive approach to job-hunting Proactive approach to job-hunting Great tool for uncovering hidden jobs Great tool for uncovering hidden jobs

The Uninvited Cover Letter (cold-contact letter) Your letter can leave a lasting impression if a job opens up Your letter can leave a lasting impression if a job opens up Opportunity to sell your talents Opportunity to sell your talents You may obtain an interview or a referral to others in the field who may have a use for you You may obtain an interview or a referral to others in the field who may have a use for you Should be sent to a named individual Should be sent to a named individual -(research “whom it may concern” and get a name)

Uninvited Cover Letter With an Edge AKA- referral letter AKA- referral letter Prominently displays the name of a person your addressee knows (name-dropping) Prominently displays the name of a person your addressee knows (name-dropping) Product of networking Product of networking -Use everyone you know as a resource to find a job Experts say networking is the most effective method of job-hunting Experts say networking is the most effective method of job-hunting

First Paragraph Spark the employers interest Spark the employers interest Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Unique Selling Proposition (USP) -The one thing that makes you different from all the other job- seekers -Identify two or three benefits you can offer the employer

First Paragraph Openers Cold Contact (be sure to research the company for an individuals name) Cold Contact (be sure to research the company for an individuals name) Example: Example: “I am writing to introduce myself and to inquire about opportunities to work in your department.”

First Paragraph Openers Referral Letter Referral Letter Example: Example: “Annie Jones (the mutual friend) has suggested I contact you. I am a (state your position) with entry level experience in the (name the field). Annie said you are always looking for experienced (job title).”

First Paragraph Openers Invited Cover Letter (job has been advertised) Invited Cover Letter (job has been advertised) Example: Example: “I am writing to respond to the (job title) position advertised in the (name of newspaper) this week.”

Second Paragraph Provide more detail about your professional/academic accomplishments Provide more detail about your professional/academic accomplishments Stress accomplishments and achievements Stress accomplishments and achievements -Show you’re a mover and a shaker -How you can contribute to the organization -Describe how you show initiative -Show you can be a key player

Second Paragraph Openers Cold Contact Cold Contact Example: Example: “My background includes…” (add two to three sentences about your experience, achievements, accomplishments). Invited cover letter (job advertised) Invited cover letter (job advertised) Example: Example: “I am a (?) with entry level skills in the (?) industry. My strengths include: (bullet list or paragraph noting your skills as requested in the ad).”

Third Paragraph Research the company Research the company Show that you know something about the company Show that you know something about the company Relate yourself to the company Relate yourself to the company -Give details why you should be considered for the position -Expand on your qualifications while showing knowledge of the company

Third Paragraph Sample Example: Example: “Your company has an excellent reputation for (name something from your research), and I know the combination of my experience, education, and motivation to excel will make me an asset to your (name the department of the job you are seeking).”

Fourth Paragraph ( Final paragraph) Proactive - and request action Proactive - and request action -Ask for an interview or meeting -Express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job -Inform the employer that you plan to follow-up within a specified time

Fourth paragraph Sample Example: Example: “I am sure it would be worthwhile for us to meet. I will contact you within a week to arrange a meeting. Should you have any questions before that time, you may reach me via phone ( ) or via

In “Closing” your letter Example: Example: “Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (sign your name) (type your name)

Final Thoughts Follow-up is key on interviews you ask for Follow-up is key on interviews you ask for Be persistent but not annoying Be persistent but not annoying Employers admire drive and ambition Employers admire drive and ambition Your persistence means you truly want to work for that company Your persistence means you truly want to work for that company Plan on making some phone calls, sending follow-up letters or sending s Plan on making some phone calls, sending follow-up letters or sending s

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