1. Cover Letters Laurie M. Verost, M. Ed
Cover Letters Laurie M. Verost, M.Ed. Assistant Director, Career Services at the Campuses

2. What about cover letters?
Purpose
Design
Content
Strategies
Design
Purpose
Content
Strategies
Other letters

3. What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Show interest in the position
Draw connection between your skills and the employer’s needs
Motivates the employer to read your resume
Resume shows qualifications, whereas letter can best demonstrate interest
Ultimate purpose – to support your resume in landing an interview!

4. Design and details DESIGN: DETAILS: Customize every letter Interest
(different industries)
Use clear spacing
Spell check!
DETAILS:
Interest
Motivation
Qualifications
Achievements
Assertive closing
HOW TO . . .
get their attention
mention the objective
list qualifications
highlight achievements
communicate your motivation
incorporate your personality
close with strength

5. 1234 West 67 Street Carlisle, MA 01741 May 1, 2011 Mr
1234 West 67 Street Carlisle, MA May 1, 2011 Mr. John Smith Dickinson Press 207 Park Avenue South New York, NY Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my keen interest in the Editorial Assistant position you advertised with the University of Washington's Center for Career Services. I will be receiving my Bachelor of Arts degree in English this coming June, and I am eager to join a small publishing house that values skills in writing, editing, proofreading, research, and critical analysis. Based on my knowledge of Dickinson Press publications and objectives, I believe that my educational background and abilities would be an excellent match for your Editorial Assistant position. Through my academic work in English language, literature, and writing, I am prepared to make meaningful contributions to editorial discussions and to function as a member of your editorial team. In addition to my university training, I have held editorial positions with Bricolage, the University of Washington's undergraduate literary arts journal, and with Steubing Press, a small publishing house specializing in non fiction and regional publications for the Pacific Northwest. These volunteer and intern positions have provided me with experience in editing, proofreading, fact checking, production scheduling, working with off-site vendors, sales, marketing, and customer service. My positions with a small publication and a small press have taught me to manage my time efficiently to meet deadlines, adapt readily to new responsibilities, work as a team member, and function well under pressure. The writing skills that I developed through my background as an English major have been further refined in both of these positions, where I learned to write concise, persuasive descriptions of new publications for press releases, catalog statements, and website content. Both positions afforded me an in-depth understanding of the important and varied behind-the-scenes work involved in book publishing. I hope you'll agree that the combination of my academic training and my internship work in publishing has provided me with excellent preparation for the demands of a literary editorial position with Dickinson Press. This letter offers some examples of why we might work well together, although I welcome the chance to speak personally with you about this rewarding opportunity. Please contact me by phone at or via to request further details or to arrange a time to meet. Thank you for your time and your consideration. Sincerely, Richard Anderson Enclosure: Resume
Sample Letter 1

6. Sample Letter 2 Jesse Mason 1000 Terrace View Apts.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
(540)
March 25, 2010
Ms. Janice Wilson Personnel Director Anderson Construction Company Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20895
Dear Ms. Wilson,
I read in the March 24th Washington Post classified section of your need for a Civil Engineer or Building Construction graduate for one of your Washington, DC, area sites. I will be returning to the Washington area after graduation in May and believe that I have the necessary credentials for the project.
Every summer for the last five years I have worked at various levels in the construction industry. As indicated on my enclosed resume, I have worked as a general laborer, and moved up to skilled carpentry work, and last summer served as assistant construction manager on a two million dollar residential construction project. In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my B.S. in Building Construction in May. As you may know, Virginia Tech is one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for the construction industry. I am confident that my degree, along with my years of construction industry experience, make me an excellent candidate for your job.
The Anderson Construction Company projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your excellent reputation.  I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you. I will be in the Washington area during the week of April 12th and would be available to speak with you at that time. In the next week to ten days I will contact you to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jesse Mason
Jesse Mason
Enclosure: Resume

7. Content that counts Intro Paragraph Body Paragraph(s)
Share brief knowledge of the company/needs
State your interest and suitability
Body Paragraph(s)
Connect your experiences and interests
Provide examples
Closing Paragraph
Restate your goal and why it is of interest to them
Ask for the interview and note contact information
Refer to your enclosed resume
Thank them for their consideration
Opening paragraph
Body of the letter
Closing the letter

8. Good strategies! Personalize your greeting and style
State source(s) of referral
Express enthusiasm
Be concise – but not too brief
Include unique experiences that set you apart
Key words count (once again,
Cannot overemphasize PROOFREADING!
Personalization
Uniqueness
Targeting
Enthusiasm
Conciseness
Key words
Name dropping
Let others read and comment

9. QUESTIONS ON COVER LETTER WRITING?
Don’t forget…
Follow up all responses:
No reply?
No interest?
No opening?
Hold in file?
Call for appointment?
Stop by?
Invitation for interview?
…You never know where it will lead!
QUESTIONS ON COVER LETTER WRITING?
Follow up in all situations
it may lead to an interview or job offer!!!
(depending on the situation)