1. Cover Letter Magic Rachael Wendler, English 307

2. Cover Letter The purpose of a cover letter is to summarize the person’s relevant experience, to express interest in the position, and to demonstrate writing ability. – Lisa Whittington, HR Director, Marriott Corp

3. Format Standard business letter format Your name, address, email and phone, SPACE, the date, SPACE, the addressee’s name, and the addressee’s address. 11 or 12-pt, professional font and block formatting, and stay to one page.

4. Greeting To Whom It May Concern = “I didn’t take the time to look up who I’m writing to.” http://goo.gl/TpE1 l http://goo.gl/TpE1 l Ms., Miss., Mrs. If unsure of gender, list full name Colon not comma

5. First Paragraph Job title Traditional– why writing, how found job (ad, job fair, someone you both know). New generation –state need of the employer’s (& how you will meet it), promise a benefit, or refer to relevant news. If a contact at the company recommended you apply, or if you recently spoke with someone there, highlight that!

6. Middle Paragraphs What you can bring Can use bullets Short paragraphs Based on Job Ad! Demonstrate you’ve researched company

7. Last Paragraph Invite them to interview/contact you How to reach you (phone, email) or tell them you will be calling them by a certain time (usually a week). Details about next steps

8. Closing Include a valediction Formal (e.g. “Sincerely” or “Cordially” rather than “Thanks”) Room to sign your name, then your typed name