1. Cover Letter

2. A FORMAL LETTER written to an employer that expresses interest in a job and asks for an interview
A sales tool that markets you
What is a cover letter?

3. Guidelines Min. 3 concise paragraphs: Opening, body, closing
Address the letter to a specific person, rather than just the company
Print your letter on the same paper as your resume
Keep the same styling between resume & letter – font, size, header, etc. (and anything else in your resume packet)
Don’t say “I think” or “I believe”… show CONFIDENCE! I AM!!
Min. 3 concise paragraphs: Opening, body, closing
Guidelines

4. The opening paragraph Capture the reader’s attention Include:
That you are applying for a position
Name of the position you are applying for
Specifically how you learned of the opening – give website name
Identify 1 key ability (the most pertinent one!) that makes you qualified
The opening paragraph

5. “Please consider me as an applicant for the management trainee position advertised in the October 12 issue of the Daily Leader. My degree in management and my work experience as an assistant store manager qualify me for this position.”
The opening paragraph

6. Convince the employer you are the right person for the job
Use “you” attitude
Interpret the facts in your resume – don’t just restate
Story tell
The body paragraph(s)

7. “As a quality control inspector, I worked closely with the plant manager to improve quality and reduce costs. During my year in this position, my department was rated Number 1 in quality, and costs were down 8 percent. I am confident that I can help your company improve spending and costs through my QC experience.
The body paragraphs

8. Not much work experience
Not much work experience? Focus on other qualifications – education, activities, honors, ability to learn quickly, enthusiasm, etc.
“During my sophomore year, I became president of my club. While working in my building trades program I was elected Vice President of the school’s Student Council. As Vice President, I organized and hosted a fund-raising event for leukemia research, where we raised $1,000.”
The body paragraphs

9. The closing paragraph Confident tone LITERALLY Ask for the interview!
Say how your skills and background fit their requirements – “you” attitude – 1 reminder
Avoid the cliché phrases at your convenience and my enclosed resume
The closing paragraph

10. Any questions?

11. Cover letter checklist
- correct formal letter format
Same header as resume
- overall design - matches resume, is appealing, professional, appropriate to industry
- includes all points listed for opening paragraph:
Statement applying for a position
Name of position
Where you learned of opening specifically
1 key ability
Body
Convincing - persuasive
“you” attitude
Interpretation of facts
Explaining how your qualifications meet those requested
Closing
Confident
Statement asking for interview
1 key ability as reminder