COVER LETTERS FOR SUCCESS!

Guidelines to follow when writing Cover Letters vary. These are from Linda Duke, Instructor, Northwest Missouri State University.

Purpose of the cover letter: TO GET AN INTERVIEW AND HOPEFULLY THE JOB!

When do you use a cover letter? Use a cover letter when sending your résumé to a business inquiring about a specific job or opening or applying for a scholarship.

How can I get mine read and acted upon? You must dazzle them! They have to whistle and say, “Wow! This is the ONE!”

Okay, What are the guidelines that help? 1. Keep headings the same on Résumé, Reference Page & Cover Letter

What are the guidelines that help? 2. Use a Reference Line—Example: Re: Weekend cashier opening

More guidelines Find out the name of the person responsible for hiring and use their name PS: Spell it correctly!

More guidelines Use the proper title: Mr. – Males Ms. - Females Dr. - Phd.’s Professor

More guidelines Keep words few, powerful and concise! 6. Remember to put “Enclosure” on your letter... so they’ll take a look at your gorgeous résumé.

More guidelines Use fonts that are easy to read. 8. If referred by someone—give their name. Example: Re: Sales clerk position referred by Thu Ching

More guidelines If responding to an ad in a newspaper—give the name and date of the paper. Example: “Your ad for a sales clerk in the December 6 th Lincoln Journal Star caught my attention immediately.”

More guidelines Personalize it—Use their name when appropriate & at the end, thank them for considering you for the position. Example: “Thank you, Mr. Jones, for considering me for this position.”

More guidelines Let the reader know you will contact the business to arrange for a date and time for your interview. PS: Never call on Monday or Friday or a weekend... Busy times for businesses.

More guidelines Do not use “I” or “my” more than 5 times—Use a “You” viewpoint. (Employer is concerned about his company’s needs... not yours!)

More guidelines Don’t repeat your resume but do refer to it. 14. Be confident but humble! 15. If it has an error—YOU’RE TOAST. Give it to someone to proofread; in fact, give it to more than one person. You can’t be too careful. This is their first impression of you— MAKE IT A GOOD ONE!

Thoughts to Remember… There are a variety of formats that are acceptable. Some are in paragraph form, others are in a “T” format. Still others use bullets. Your goal is to choose the one that best fits you & make it short but dynamic!

Closing Thoughts… Go to Internet Explorer and do a Google Search for: Cover Letter Etiquette by Kim Isaacs Read through this article—taking notes on important points to remember. At the bottom of the page, write one or two paragraphs summarizing these crucial points. Now, go to the O Drive and select your style of Cover Letter. Begin revising it with your information.

Take out blank sheet Your Heading Date (enter 4 times) Mr. Clay Simmons, Manager Business Name Business Address (enter twice) Dear Mr. Simmons

Body of Cover Letter 1 st paragraph –I am excited to hear about your entry-level position with (company name). You need someone who is _________, _________, and __________ (list 3 skills or traits). You can count on me to meet those requirements. Please refer to my enclosed resume for more information.

Body of Cover Letter 3 Paragraphs –List each of the three traits in separate paragraphs (same ones you listed in paragraph 1) –Back up how you fit those skills Last paragraph –I look forward to the opportunity to interview with you, Mr. Simmons, and will contact you soon to arrange the date and time. I would make an excellent addition to your (company) team. Thank you for your consideration.

Cover Letter Sincerely, (4 spaces) Name (enter twice) Enclosure: Resume & References