Cover Letter A “Sales” Letter

What is a Cover Letter? A business letter that goes on top of your resume. Can be a first impression. It should include a bulleted list of skills. Must be relevant to the job for which you’re applying.

Why is it important? Employers only skim the pile of letters & resumes. You only have a few seconds to impress them.

The Goals of a Cover Letter To get and keep the reader’s attention To impress the employer with your experience and skills To match some of the keywords and skills from the advertisement or company website with the skills on your resume and letter.

The Goals Cont…… To show your interest in the company and its customers To show that you are dependable, professional and determined

Format Your contact information Employer’s contact information Salutation Opening paragraph Tell them how you heard about the job and that you would like to work for their company.

Format - Part B Second paragraph This is where you impress the reader with experience and skills. Third paragraph Persuasive paragraph – why are you a great candidate The closing How and when to contact you and express interest in hearing back from them.

Next Steps We will not write one for you at this point. They are very specific to the job applying for and need to be written for the job itself. But we will……..

Write one together! Close this power point and open Word. Let’s start typing Advisor- there is a sample on the website.