1. Winning Cover Letters That Win Interviews Part 2 Steven R. Mark East Carolina University

2. The New “Q” Cover Letter The emerging “Qualifications” Cover Letter provides a direct comparison of the employer’s stated requirements and your match to those. This style is especially useful when your skills and abilities meet or exceed employer expecations.

3. The “Q” Cover Letter Model…  First Paragraph  Outlines position applied for  Where you found the information or who provided the information  “You” centered statement that grabs attention  Last sentence should be a confident statement about your fit with the employer’s needs

4. The “Q” Cover Letter Model…  Second Paragraph  Strong introductory sentence that introduces the qualifications table  Exception to the “no one-sentence paragraphs” rule

5. The Cover Letter Model…  Third (and Fourth) Paragraph(s)  Instead of narrative paragraphs, use a two-column table with employer needs on left and your skills/abilities on right  Choose about 3-5 major needs and show how you meet or exceed them  If you do not exactly meet the need or requirement, present a comparable alternative that may be acceptable

6. The Cover Letter Model…  Closing Paragraph  Make a personalized (if possible) statement of the employer’s needs and your “fit” with those needs  Ask directly for a personal interview at the employer’s convenience  Provide contact information such as telephone numbers and e-mail address

7. The Cover Letter Model…  Closing Paragraph  Do not give specific days of the week or times you are available for interviews  Do not give specific days of the week or times you are available for telephone calls  Do not thank employers in advance  Do not use a cute or off-color e-mail address for contact  Make sure you have a professional cell phone or home telephone answering message.

8. “Q” Cover Letter Example

9. Advantages of the “Q”:  Employers get a quick “at-a-glance” look at how you meet or exceed the position specs.  Allows you to present your skills and abilities without distracting narrative  Shows a “get-to-the-point” attitude.  Allows you to present alternative qualifications in a dynamic format.

10. Disdvantages of the “Q”:  This style does not work if your skills and experiences are less than the minimum required for the position.  Can include minor qualifications which distract the reader.  Works best for positions that have been formally planned and announced or where you know the position specs.

11. You Are What You Portray  Employers will judge your “quality” by the quality of the documents you present.  Employers will infer your working ability and quality from the documents you present.  Your ultimate chances for a personal interview with an employer are directly linked to the documents you present.

12. Winning Cover Letters That Win Interviews Part 2 Steven R. Mark East Carolina University