1. The genre The purpose The game
The Letter
The genre
The purpose
The game

2. A Cover Letter
“introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join …It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make…prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.”
“What is a cover letter?” Purdue

3. A Cover Letter Guide -Davidson
Steps to starting…
1) Research the employer (website, LinkedIn)
2) Analyze the job description carefully
3) Review your past experiences & decide which ones are relevant 4) Look for the name of the addressee & the address

4. Three Main Elements Thing 1: Thesis Statement—
why are YOU the right fit?
In this case, it would be that you are an excellent candidate for a given opportunity (i.e. job description of your choice) because of your specific skills, abilities, experience.

5. Elements Continued… Thing 2: Evidence—
prove that you can do what you say
Support your thesis statement with brief, specific examples of relevant skills, abilities or experiences that make you an excellent candidate.

6. And finally… Thing 3: Closing Statement— Your last thoughts
Affirm your interest in the opportunity, request an interview or say when and how you will follow-up, and thank the employer for considering your application. Remember that cover/inquiry letters build a bridge between your resume and the opportunity at hand. Focus on the most relevant, strongest skills you bring to the employer.

7. So, let’s exercise the first part (15 min.)
Find a potential employer/position
Research the employer
Analyze the job description
Develop a list of questions:
What does my reader want to know?

8. Partner exercise (60 min.)
If you were to apply, how would you draft?

9. First, A conversation (5 min.)
Face your partner. Explain the job & its requirements. How might you explain your…
Experience  
Responsibilities/Duties
Skills Demonstrated or Gained
(includes specialized training)

10. Now switch! (5 min.)
Face your partner. Explain the job & its requirements. How might you explain your…
Experience  
Responsibilities/Duties
Skills Demonstrated or Gained
(includes specialized training)

11. Time to get a “shitty first draft” (15 min.)
Your partner will be your typist—you dictate
Use your “employer questions”
Use the 3 element outline—thesis, evidence, closing statement
No deleting
No “starting over”
Should feel weird & awkward
SWITCH!

12. Let’s evaluate (10 min.) Read the draft aloud
Partner 1: Typist
Partner 2: Dictator
Read the draft aloud
What is your partner doing well?
What are they not doing yet?
Offer feedback.
Listen. Take notes.

13. Switch! Evaluate (10 min.) Read the draft aloud
Partner 1: Typist
Partner 2: Dictator
Read the draft aloud
What is your partner doing well?
What are they not doing yet?
Offer feedback.
Listen. Take notes.

14. Wrapping up: If there’s time
Option 1:
Develop your cover letter further and format it so that you can peer review it next week with the counselors.
Option 2:
Further revise and edit your digital story for another round of recording.