PREPARING A COVER LETTER

2 What is a cover letter?  It’s your first real contact with a person who may become your employer  It’s you chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job  It is the first impression an employer has of you!  It answers the question: Why should we hire you?

3 You should always include a cover letter along with your résumé I AM A RÉSUMÉ’S COMPANION

4 Parts of a cover letter 1. Introductory paragraph: States why you are writing and how you heard about the position (job posting, newspaper article, word of mouth)Introductory paragraph

5 Parts of a cover letter 2. Middle paragraphs (1-3)Middle paragraphs Relate your skills and experiences to the employer’s needs Show where you demonstrated these skills Show how you can contribute to the organization Show your interest in and understanding of the organization

6 Parts of a cover letter 3. Final paragraph Final paragraph Re-state your interest in the position Thank the employer for their consideration Request an interview

7 Tips on writing cover letters … DO  Research before writing the cover letter to show that you understand the organization  Find out the name of the contact person and use it in the letter  Provide your name, phone number and address  Write in your own words DO  Be specific—back up what you say with experiences  Proofread carefully and have someone else check it, too  Use a standard font (match your résumé)  Make sure the employer knows what action to take—will you call or will the employer call you?

8 Tips on writing cover letters … DO  Tailor your letter to the target reader and industry  Talk more about what you can do for the prospective employer that what they can do for you.  Convey focused career goals. Even if you’d be willing to take any job they’d offer you, don’t say so  Check, recheck, and triple check your letter for typos and other errors. DO  Get other people’s opinions of your letter before you send it.  Keep easily accessible copies of all letters you mail, fax, or along with the log of when letters were sent so that you can follow up on them.

9 Tips on writing cover letters … DON’T  Send form letters!  Make the letter more than one page long  Write a cover letter by hand  Start every sentence with “I” DON’T  Repeat what is on your résumé  Wait until the last day before a deadline

10 Tips on writing cover letters … DON’T  Ramble: Cut to the chase  Make empty claims that are not backed up with examples  Say anything negative about your employment situation or your life in general.

11 Remember …  Make the employer want to meet with you by showing how your skills and experience meet the needs of the employer.  It takes time to create effective, targeted cover letters, but it is definitely worth the time and effort.

12 Remember …  You never get a second chance to make a first impression

13 SAMPLE COVER LETTERS  Here is an example of a letter written in response to a newspaper advertisementexample of a letter  Note the formatting of the letter  Here is an example of another letter Here is an example of another letter  Remember—first impressions count! Bowl them over with your cover letter!