Warm Up How many of you have every written a letter before? What was the purpose of the letter? How did the other person receive (react) to your letter?

Cover Letters

Objective Realize the important elements of a cover letter Create an effect cover letter

Cover Letter The cover letter will: Introduce you as a candidate. Clarify the position for which you are applying for. Enable you to highlight your strengths. Ask an employer to take action.

First Impression Your cover letter is a potential employer’s first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the application packet. A well written letter entices the employer to read your resume. A poorly constructed cover letter may doom your resume to the “No Need to Read” pile.

Not Just Limited to Work The same can be said for a college or scholarship application that includes an introductory letter. It is important to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience. These will indicate what you can contribute to the company or school.

What They Can Do Effective cover letters must convey a sense of purpose and project enthusiasm. A “form” cover letter rarely does this. Researching the employer, college, or scholarship prior to writing the cover letter will give you the opportunity to effectively personalize your letter.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 1.Always include a cover letter when mailing your resume. A letter of introduction will prove useful when applying to colleges. It may act as the basis for a college essay or it may be a useful addition to an application packet.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 2.Unless the advertisement specifies “no phone calls please” and the name is not given in the ad, find out the name and title of the individual who will be receiving your letter. Make sure you spell the name properly and get the proper abbreviation (Mr., Mrs., Ms.). How?

13 Tips for Cover Letters 3. Do not use “form” letters or photocopies. Personalize each letter. If possible, explain why you want to work for the organization or attend the school

13 Tips for Cover Letters 4. Use a proper business format for your letters.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 5. Make sure the letter is PERFECT! Spelling, punctuation, and grammar count. Have someone proofread the letter before mailing it.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 6. Create the letter on a computer word processing program (Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, etc.) and use a laser printer, if possible. Use good quality paper. Cheap, flimsy paper makes your application seem very ordinary. However, do not use flashy colors!

13 Tips for Cover Letters 7. Utilize a one inch margin on all 4 sides. This white space draws the reader to the body of the letter.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 8. In the opening paragraph, tell the reader the purpose of the letter. 9. Use “I” statements and action verbs when describing your experience.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 10. Get to the point! Employers do not have the time to read lengthy letters. A cover letter should never exceed one page.

13 Tips for Cover Letters 11. Focus on the specific skills and interests you possess that you can offer the employer or college. Concentrate on skills which match the advertised employment qualifications or the desired program of study. Stress what you can do for the company or college, not what the company or college can do for you. Sound upbeat and confident. Sell yourself!

13 Tips for Cover Letters 12. Don’t mention salary expectations unless the advertisement specifically requests it. In that case, the best strategy is to give a range. For example, “My earnings have ranged from $7.00 to $10.50 per hour in the various sales positions I have held.”

13 Tips for Cover Letters 13. End by thanking the reader and stating that you look forward to meeting with them. Make a specific suggestion for the next step of the process and follow up as promised.

Cover Letter Writing Your cover letter should be job-centered not self- centered. The cover letter should be 1 page maximum. Use regular business letter format. Always address the letter to a specific person, not “To Whom It May Concern.” Research the name of the contact person or hiring manager. You may use, “To the Hiring Manager” or “To the Selection Committee Chairperson” if needed. Proofread and check your letter for proper grammar.

Parts of a Cover Letter Heading Inside Address Salutation Introduction Paragraph – why you are writing 1 St Main Paragraph – Description of your qualifications 2 nd Main Paragraph – Highlight relevant training or classes Closing Paragraph – Thanking the reader and requesting an interview Complimentary Close Signature Name Enclosure

Breaking it Down Your Contact Information Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Address Date Employer Contact Information (If you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name: Anita Job 1234 Street Avenue Wilmington, CA March 13, 2012 Sally Boss, Hiring Manager Kaiser Permanente Vermont Harbor City, CA Dear Ms. Boss:

First Paragraph The first paragraph should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and how you will follow-up. I would like to express my interest in a Medical Secretary position with Kaiser Permanente. I am confident that Kaiser’s values and objectives would highly complement my own strengths and enthusiasm. I would like to be considered for your Medical Secretary position.

Middle Paragraph The next section of your cover should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Evidence of my skills and qualifications can be seen in my responsibilities as a Program Assistant at Los Angeles Harbor College where I provided customer service and scheduled counseling appointments. My educational background in Computer Applications & Office Technology-Medical Office Assistant has been excellent preparation for a career with Kaiser Permanente.

Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Please review the enclosed resume and consider my application for your Medical Secretary position. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the positive contributions I would offer as a member of your organization. To reach me for an interview, please contact me at (555) or Thank you for your

Complimentary Close & Signature Complimentary Close Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Type Signature

1111 Figueroa Place Wilmington, CA June 20, 20XX Ms. Karen Fields Human Resources Director Kaiser Permanente 2075 Palos Verdes Drive North Lomita, CA Dear Ms. Fields: I am applying for the medical secretary position that you advertised through the Job Placement Center at Los Angeles Harbor College. My resume is enclosed. Your position requires skill in various accounting and medical software programs. My Associate in Science Degree, Option in Medical Office Assistant emphasized the understanding and use of Billing software and Intuit QuickBooks software. I have one year of experience working in an office setting with an increasing level of responsibility. My experience as a Program Assistant gave me the ability to work well in a busy office setting and the interpersonal skills to assist the public. My background and career goals match your job requirements well. Your company has an excellent reputation not only for its services but as an employer. I am confident I would make a lasting contribution to your organization. Thank you for your consideration. To reach me for an interview, please contact me at (555) or I look forward to hearing from Sincerely, Anita Job

Before You Mail it: Can you answer the following questions with a “Yes”?: Is it clear? Does it state exactly what I want it to state? Is it concise? Does it state what I want it to state in the fewest possible words? Is it well organized? Am I projecting to the employer or college the contribution I can make? Have I stressed areas in my experience and/or education that are relevant to the person reading it?

Now Your Turn Log in to Microsoft Word Type out the Cover Letter you wrote yesterday and update it according to these tips Make sure to me a copy of your new cover letter.