Types of Application/Cover Letters SolicitedUnsolicitedReferral

Cover Letter General Guidelines Proper address, salutation About a page Best info first Focus on Major requirements of the job/position/industry Points that separate you from other applicants Points that show your knowledge of the organization Qualities that every employer values

Possible Organization FIRST PARAGRAPH(s) Catch attention (?) –Specific? Results? Company-specific? State that you are applying for the job. –Phrase the job title as the source phrased it. –Cite source Few sentences with “best details” –Qualifications? Skills? Education? –Use the job ad as “frame” if you can.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (2, 3?) Describe qualifications Prove it! Examples –Accomplishments, achievements rather than a list of qualifications and skills Expand on resume items (Don’t repeat word for word from resume) Include transferable skills Show knowledge of the company, qualifications as they apply to company and position

CLOSING Ask for an interview. Consider hooking the request to a statement reviewing your strongest points. Make it easy to respond. Tell when/how you can be reached

Follow-Up / Thank you Letter Send it within two business days. Three functions: 1.Thank the interviewer. (specific?) 2.Reaffirm your interest in the company – hook to skills/qualifications if possible. 3.Close by expressing appreciation, offering more info, and stating that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Before the Interview Research Prepare –Success stories –Selling points, company specific –Responses to common questions –Questions for interviewer

During the Interview First impression Focus: strengths, don’t criticize Be prepared for questions –Salary: know your salary range –Inappropriate: shift focus to positive –Behavioral: STAR method

STAR Method For BEHAVIORAL questions – tell a story “describe a time…” “give me an example…” Situation – what was the situation or context? Set the scene Task – what was the task, project, or problem? Action – what action did you take? How did you handle the situation? Result(s) – what were the results?

After the Interview Take notes while the interview is fresh Write a “thank you” within two days

Other Job Search Stuff Sample Documents/Portfolio?? References –Personal, academic, professional Letters of Recommendation –Be specific about what/why –Have resume, other documents (make it easy) –Give them focus points –Listen/read for cues –Say thank you!