JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC. Enhanced Success Skills for Crooms Academy of Information Technology Fall Week 2

OBJECTIVES Review career assessment Learn to create a cover letter Networking Complete job application

What exactly is a cover letter? A cover letter is a written introduction to a potential employer, summarizing the applicant’s strengths and skills.

Cover letter DO Compliment your resume Designed specifically for the job with which you are applying Explain your interest in the position Identify your most relevant skills & experience DON’T Duplicate your resume Design a form letter – this should not be seen as junk mail! Be vague

3 general types of cover letters APPLICATION Responds to a known job opening PROSPECTING Inquires about possible openings NETWORKING Requests information & assistance in your job search

Parts of a Cover Letter Contact information Salutation Body section Closing Signature

Contact Information The first section should include information on how the employer can contact you. Example: John Doe 1234 Main Street Anytown, FL Phone: (407)

Salutation Always try to include a contact person Appropriate examples: Dear Mr. Jones Dear Crystal Jones Dear Sir or Madam Dear Hiring Manager To whom it may concern

Body section This is the most important part of a cover letter, it includes the paragraphs where you explain why you are interested and qualified for the job for which you are applying. See page 19 in your workbook for a sample cover letter.

Closing Close your letter in a professional manner Examples: Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Regards, Respectfully, Thank you, Thank you for your consideration,

Signature The cover letter signature depends on whether you are sending the cover letter in the mail and/or uploading it as an attachment. Example: Jane Doe OR Using an message as your cover letter, in which case you put your information below the signature

Cover Letters Formatted differently than document cover letters Use a basic font & remove any formatting You don’t know what system the potential employer is using, so simple is best They may not see a formatted message in the same way Don’t use HTML

Cover Letters continued Don’t forget the details: Be sure to include in the subject line the position for which you are applying & your name. Put your contact information below your signature. Send the message to yourself first, to make sure that everything looks good. Then send it to the employer.

Follow Instructions Determine how the employer wants to receive your information. If it says to include your cover letter & resume as an attachment use either: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files

Networking The process by which you gather with a group of people working in your field of interest. Utilizing your contacts to find out about opportunities. Networking is essential in any job or internship search.

Basic Networking Tips You do not have to be an extrovert You don’t need to be extremely outgoing or sociable to be good at networking. Some people prefer to network within small groups. Use appropriate body language No one likes to speak to someone that is staring at the ground. Make eye contact. Shake hands firmly and try not to fidget. Smile.

Networking Tips continued Interaction can come in many forms Face to face is ideal, but & web chats are also great ways to network. Listen and speak effectively. Build rapport with others. If possible, write down important information as soon as possible. Be a giver and receiver Networking doesn’t stop after the initial meeting; maintain your relationships over time. Respond immediately to any requests you receive.

Networking Tips continued Dress appropriately First impressions are lasting. Make sure that your clothing fits well and your shirt is tucked in. No worn down heels or scuffed shoes, people pay attention and it shows whether or not you pay attention to detail. Focus on quality not quantity Circulate and meet people, but don’t feel like you have to talk to everyone. Oftentimes it’s better to have a few meaningful conversations rather than 50 quick introductions.

Questions to ask while networking What do you like most (least) about your work? Can you describe a typical workday or week? What type of education and experience do you need to be successful in this field? What are the future career opportunities in this field? Why do people enter/leave this field or company? What advice would you give to someone trying to break into this field? With whom would you recommend I speak? When I call, may I use your name?

Due next week Career assessments – if you have not already done it Write a cover letter Fill out the job application

Next Week Objectives Elevator speech Marketing yourself Proper handshake Resolving conflict