1. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER?
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think is the purpose of a cover letter?
Write the participants answers on the board
Discussion Helper/Potential answers to the question
To allow employer to hear who you are and what you have to offer in your own voice. (Sentences rather than point form)
To target your application package
To show your interest and fit for that position/company
Sets you apart from the pack of applicants
Shows your communication skills and style ( written)
Show cases your research skills by what you reference/answer the ads

2. Presents your interest and qualifications to the employer Inspires employer to look at your resume It’s YOUR chance to make a good first impression
Facilitator notes:
Talk to the group about the importance of making a first impression and presenting there interest and qualifications in the position.
Discussion:
What are first impressions when writing a cover letter?
The layout
Correct spelling
The presentation of the package
Grammar
Your qualifications
Researching the company
Addressing the letter
Activity:
Do’s and Don'ts when writing cover letters Card game.

3. A good cover letter will prompt an employer to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume. A bad cover letter or no cover letter is enough to cause an employer to move on to the next applicant.

4. CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER
Headings
Salutation/Greeting
Introductory paragraph
1st main paragraph
2nd main paragraph
Closing paragraph
Complimentary Close
a.) Yours Truly/Sincerely
b.) Signature and enclosure
Options:
Ask participants what they think should be included in the sections of a cover letter?
Brainstorm with participants and write on board.
Activity:

5. TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER
Tell the employer WHY you would be valuable to the company & HOW you can deliver results.
Back up your skills with YOUR accomplishment statements from your past experiences and relate to the position & company’s goals.
Facilitator notes:
Discussion:
Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job?
Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this position really a good match for me?”
Ask the question “ why am I struggling.”
Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT” 5

6. SALUTATIONS/GREETING
Preferred Salutations
Dear Mr.
Dear Mrs.
Dear Ms.
Dear Dr.
Dear Sir or Madam
Alternate Salutations
Attention: Personal Manager
Attention: Name of Organization Representative
Facilitator notes:
Ask the participants what they think are appropriate salutations to use in a cover letter.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Discuss why not to use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN”
Its too generic
Doesn’t show your keen interest or you ability to research the contact person
Discuss HOW to get the contact person
Phone
Internet search
Reverse phone number
Yellow Pages
Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”

7. COVER LETTER OPENING (intro)
The position you are applying for and the position/job number if given
Where you saw the posting. Include name and date of publication
If you were referred for the position, give the name of that person
Express your interest for the position
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the opening paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
ACTIVITY:
Show examples of different opening paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.
DISCUSSION:
the opening paragraph should only be one
Speak to the process of the opening
State it is always the hardest part but you want to create a “HOOK” to peak the readers interest

8. OPENING EXAMPLE
In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position. 8

9. 1st Main Paragraph Why you are suited for the job
How your skills and qualifications match the specific job requirements listed in the add
Include related experience, training, and attributes
Try to provide an example
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the body paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Show examples of different body paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.
DISCUSSION:
Could be more than one paragraph, depending on the position
Examples:
Front line customer service-keep it short.
Management, supervisor, director, etc may be longer.

10. RESEARCH THE COMPANY What makes that company/organization
Why are they there?
Hiring trends/employment needs
The company’s history
Desired qualifications and skills
General job information
Facilitator Notes:
Ask the participants why they think its important to research the company.
Ask participants what type of things they should be looking for when researching the company?
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
How do you research a company?
Take participants through an example of researching a company: Look at their website, find their mission statement, Find their career section and read the job postings.
Click on the link in the right hand corner to link to Google and search the web for employers that your clients may be interested in applying for.
Example of sites:
Safeway RBC
PCRS Earls McDonalds Red Robin
Starbucks Walmart

11. BODY TELL THE READER: What makes you well suited to the job or company
How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission, vision and values of the organization.
Talk about why you are the right type of person for this job/team or company
Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their employee puzzle.
Focus on the EMPLOYER
Facilitator notes:
Refer to the slide of researching the company and the importance of understanding what the employer is looking for.

12. BODY EXAMPLE
I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions. I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously .
Facilitator notes:

13. BODY EXAMPLE continued…
I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- LaCrosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals.
Facilitator notes: 13

14. CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Restate your interest in the position and mention how you will be an asset to the company
State your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview to discuss your skills and passion in person
List your contact information and when you can be reached to schedule your interview
Include your home phone number, cell number and/ or address.
Thank them for their time.
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the closing paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Activity:
Show or read out loud examples of different closing paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.

15. EXAMPLES
I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be reached at , or by at I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this exciting opportunity. You can contact me at or by at

16. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSINGS
Yours Truly
Sincerely
Respectfully

17. EXAMPLES Yours Truly, B Barista Barbara Barista
Sincerely, B Barista Barbara Barista

18. Dear Mrs. Pierce:
In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position.
I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions.  I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- LaCrosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.   I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals.
I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be reached at , or by at I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,                           
Barbara Barista

20. Submitting Your Cover Letter & Resume
Cut & Paste text from both into online applications OR
The text of your functions as the cover letter, then attach your resume as a Word or PDF document
Follow submission instructions stated in the job ad!

21. Assess this Cover Letter
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg - Attached please find my resume in response to youre advertisement in the San Francisco Times for a Chief Technical Guru. I believe my sophisticated technical skills, combined with my superior communication abilities, make me an ideal candidate for a position at Facebook. I currently play video games 24/7, even when I should be studying. My reaction time surpasses that of an Army sniper. I have mastered the ability to shower and eat within 5 seconds while keeping my hands on the controller. My teachers complain that I will never amount to anything but I know that companies as forward-thinking as Facebook need individuals with my unique qualifications. I look forward to speaking with you in about this opportunity. My gamer tag is waitingtograduate14. Sincerely, Steve Halo

22. Resume & Cover Letter Assignment
Look on my website for the job ad posting
Tailor your resume and cover letter to meet job requirements
Submit your resume & cover letter via by 11:59pm on Monday, September 11
Assignment is worth 50 points
One candidate from each class will be selected as top candidate and receive an extra 10 points