 Your cover letter tells the employer what position you are applying for and gives you a chance to tell a little more about yourself than what is in your resume. It should be created last, after you are sure what position you are applying for.

 Your cover letter is your first chance to impress a potential employer. Make sure your opening paragraph grabs and keeps the reader’s attention.  State the position you are applying for, because the company may be advertising for many different positions.

 1. The Safe Bet  I am writing in response to your ad in Saturday’s Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal regarding the position of sales associate at Pet Smart.

 2. The Name Drop  My co-op teacher, Mr. McKillop, suggested I apply for the sales associate placement at Super Pet.

 3. Show Off Your Research  Super Pet has been Thunder Bay’s #1 pet supplies retailer for the past 3 years running. I am eager to be a part of your dynamic sales team.

 4. The Question  What child doesn’t dream of having a pet dog? As a sales associate for Super Pet, I will help every kind of customer select products to enhance the pet ownership experience.

 5. Quotable Quotes  As Swift once said, “Every dog must have his day.” As a dog lover, I am eager to work for Super Pet as a sales associate for my upcoming co-op placement this semester.

 6. Flattery Will Get You Everywhere  Every time I enter Super Pet, I am amazed by your great selection of pet products and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. I have wanted to be part of your team for some time.

 Now that you have the reader’s attention, it’s time to show your stuff. Remember that as long as your cover letter is impressive enough, the person reading it will go on to read your resume. Don’t waste your or your audiences time.  Use the cover letter to pick two or three key skills from the want ad and tell the story of how you have these skills.

 Answer these questions: 1. How did you use your skill at work or school? 2. Was there a problem or challenge? 3. How did you resolve it using your skill?

 If you are not comfortable with writing paragraphs about yourself consider using a T Chart.  Use the headings “Skills You Need” and “Skills I Have”. Choose three to five key job skills and give proof that you have each skill.

 End your cover letter with a request for this action:  “I look forward to hearing from you to further discuss my skills for this position. You can reach me any time after 4:00pm at xxxx

 Many employers require you to complete an application form when you submit your cover letter and resume.  Some may want you to complete the form in front of them, so be sure you have all the tools and information you need  Blue or black pens, names, addresses, phone numbers and dates of previous schools, employers and volunteer positions.

 Not reading the instructions and following directions.  Making spelling mistakes.  Not printing, using messy writing, leaving crossed-out words, crumpling the paper.  Not applying for a specific position.  Being vague about your availability.  Missing the deadline to hand in your application.  Being rude or unprofessional to the person to whom you submit your application.