COVER LETTERS AN INTRO TO THE RESUME

COVER LETTERS ARE INCLUDED WITH RESUMES AND SENT TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS WITH THE PURPOSE OF ; u APPLYING FOR A SPECIFIC JOB. u INFORMING THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER OF YOUR QUALIFICATIONS. u SELLING YOURSELF AS THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THAT PARTICULAR JOB

WRITE A LETTER THAT WILL ACTUALLY GET READ! PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS READ DOZENS OF LETTERS AND MEMOS EACH WEEK. IN ORDER TO CATCH THE EMPLOYERS EYE... u KEEP YOUR LETTER CLEAR AND TO THE POINT. u SELL THEM ON THE IDEA OF GRANTING YOU A JOB INTERVIEW. u SEND AN INDIVIDUALIZED LETTER, ADDRESSED DIRECTLY TO HIM OR HER

THE MAGIC FORMULA FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTER... u SEIZE ATTENTION u PERK INTEREST u GET DOWN TO BUSINESS u SHOW YOUR STUFF u WRAP IT UP

SEIZE ATTENTION-Paragraph 1 u IN THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH OF YOUR LETTER, GRAB THE EMPLOYERS’ INTEREST BY TELLING THEM WHY YOU ARE WRITING AND GIVE INFO TO SHOW INTEREST u NAME THE POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING AND HOW YOU HEARD OF IT

SEIZE ATTENTION (EXAMPLE). I am interested in applying for the sales representative position recently advertised in The New York Times. The skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background support my strong interest in a sales career.

PERK INTEREST-(2nd & 3rd Paragraphs) u WHET THE EMPLOYERS’ INTEREST AND CREATE A DESIRE ON THE PART OF THE EMPLOYER TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU. TELL WHY YOU YOU ARE INTERESTED IN IN WORKING FOR THEM. POINT OUT YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN EACH PARAGRAPH.

PERK INTEREST (EXAMPLE). As you will note from my enclosed resume,, I have majored in physics and have participated in significant research. This background, as well as several business courses, has prepared me to combine an interest in ……...

Perk Interest Continued u The second and third paragraphs should refer to highlights on your resume. Point out items that you are particularly proud of and elaborate u Make sure you highlight particular points on your resume that relate to the job u Each of these paragraphs should have a unique focus

(Perk Interest-EXAMPLE 2) u In addition, I have gained valuable administrative experience off the field as the President of the Soccer Club, founder and coordinator for multiple teams and leagues and assistant manager of the Eastern Shore Sharks. Through these experiences, I have readily accepted the duties of fund- raising, …….

SHOW YOUR STUFF IN THE 2ND & 3RD PARAGRAPHS u IF YOU JUST GRADUATED FROM SCHOOL, IF YOU JUST GOT OUT OF THE SERVICE, OR IF YOU HAVE SOME HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE-SAY SO u LIST QUALIFICATIONS THAT YOU POSSESS THAT WOULD BE NEEDED FOR THE JOB

SHOW YOUR STUFF (EXAMPLE - EDUCATION). For your review, I am enclosing a copy of my resume which shows: - Certification in the state of Maryland for grades K-8 - Student Field experiences in two counties within Maryland - Substitute teaching experience in Wicomico County, Maryland - Related coursework in Cooperative Learning and Classroom Management

Summary (Paragraph 4) u The closing paragraph should pave the way for an interview u Ask for an appointment u Offer to call the employer in the near future u Show enthusiasm and wrap it up

Summary Example u I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my skills and qualifications. The chance to work for such an outstanding company and continue in a career field I truly enjoy is desirable to say the least. I will contact you late next week to arrange and appointment. Thank you for your time and consideration.

A WELL WRITTEN COVER LETTER WILL... MAGNIFY YOUR CHANCES AT GETTING AN INTERVIEW!!!