Career and Financial Management Cover Letter Writing

Writing a Cover Letter Lesson Objectives 1. Identify the purpose of writing a cover letter. 2. List the parts of an effective cover letter. 3. Describe qualifications and accomplishments in an effective cover letter format.

What is a Cover Letter? A letter that introduces an applicant and the applicant’s résumé to a potential employer  Explains why the applicant would be a good match for the potential employer

Importance of a Cover Letter  Demonstrates professionalism and initiative  Expands main points from résumé  Goes in-depth about experience and skills  Shows employer a glimpse of the applicant’s personality  Opportunity to show company and industry knowledge  Provides a sample of written communication skills

Ultimate Goal The main purpose of writing a cover letter is to get a job interview!

Preliminary Research Research the following topics:  General job information  Desired qualifications and skills  Key values and words Sources of information  Job advertisement  Corporate website  Current employees

The Bottom Line  Research   Write   Introduce   Interview

General Formatting Guidelines  Follow a business letter format  Single-spaced  One page in length  Standard margins (1”)  Paragraphs aligned to the left of the page  Spaces between paragraphs  Centered in the middle of the page  Signed in ink

Cover Letter Parts Four main parts  Heading  Introduction  Argument  Closing

Jacqueline S. Smith 1234 Main Street Lincoln, NE /31/13 Ms. Gina McDonald Executive Vice President White, Case, & Smith 321 Mission Rd. Lincoln, NE Dear Ms. McDonald: I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska. Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith. I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jacqueline S. Smith Heading Introduction Argument Closing

Heading Your contact information  Full address, address, and phone number Date Employer information  Name and job title of recipient  Company name and full address The heading should match the résumé’s format

Heading Jacqueline S. Smith 1234 Main Street Lincoln, NE /31/13 Ms. Gina McDonald Executive Vice President White, Case, & Smith 321 Mission Rd. Lincoln, NE 18888

Introduction  Salutation  Applicant introduces self  Explains the purpose of the letter and how they learned about the position/company  Includes job code or number if requested

Introduction Dear Ms. McDonald: I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska.

Argument  Highlights qualifications and how applicant fits the company  Emphasizes interest in the company  Provides evidence why applicant is best person for the position

Argument Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high- pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith.

Closing  Explains future actions of applicant  Notes any documents included with the cover letter

Closing I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jacqueline S. Smith

Heading The Bottom Line Introduction ArgumentClosing Cover Letter

Writing a Cover Letter One of the most challenging documents to write  Must write about yourself without sounding selfish or self-centered

How can you help the company? “I have four years of experience in sales.” OR “Your company will benefit from my four years of sales experience, during which I met or exceeded all sales quotas.”

Addressing Your Cover Letter  Address letter to a specific individual  Increases the chance it will be reviewed by the company  If no name is provided:  Call the company to ask for more information  Visit the human resources office  Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”

Introduction Salutation  “Dear Sara:” Too informal  “Dear Mr./Ms. _______:”  If unsure of the person’s gender, use full name  “Dear Pat Jones:”

The Opening Paragraph  Introduces self and states purpose for writing  Explains how you know the employer  Name drop if applicable  Explains why you are interested in the company  States the type of job you are seeking

The Argument  Considered the “Sales Pitch”  Focuses on the applicant’s qualifications for the job  Highlights 2-4 accomplishments that match the company’s needs  Write in paragraph form, bullet points, or as a T-letter

Argument Samples

T-Letter Cover letter style that compares an applicant's qualifications with an employer's requirements in a two-column format.

T-Letter

The Closing  Shows gratitude toward the reader  Explains the next step in the process  Active Closing: indicates the applicant will call to request a meeting or interview  More interviews  Passive Closing: requests that the reader call the applicant  Higher quality interviews  Combination of active and passive closing

Closing Examples: Active My résumé and transcript are enclosed for your evaluation. I will contact you on the week of August 30 th to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my qualifications for the Marketing position. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Closing Examples: Passive Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I am enthusiastic about the position and look forward to hearing from you. You may reach me at Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Closing Examples: Combination I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for you review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Cover Letter Reminders  Make NO mistakes  Be friendly and professional  Print on quality paper  Be clear about the reason for writing  Be brief and direct  Customize the letter  Sell yourself  Always thank the recipient for their time

The Bottom Line Effective Cover Letter Introduction Specific Argument Paragraph Bullets T-Letter Closing Active Passive Combination

Writing a Cover Letter  Sending a Cover Letter  Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters.  Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter.  Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter  Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio.  Write a cover letter which can be sent to a potential employer.  Evaluate performance through the use of a rubric.