1. Dynamite Letter Writing

2. What do I need to know? Cover Letters: Your chance to shine!
Follow up is important!
Communication is key!

3. Cover Letters
Custom tailored personalized summary to a specific target market
Resume is the facts, this is YOUR STORY!
Should always accompany a resume
Before you write:
Know yourself
Research the employer

4. Cover Letters Reasons to write:
Meeting an employer’s requirement
Linking your resume to a specific job opening
Emphasizing a personal connection
Bringing focus to a designated time frame
Enhancing information presented in your resume
Remember, most job openings are never advertised!

5. Cover Letters Putting it on paper: Introduction Highlights Call Back
Who you are and position
Name dropping
Inquiry for future positions
Highlights
Experience, skills, qualifications
Demonstrate your “fit” with the company
Knowledge of industry
Call Back
Provides closure
Ask for interview

6. Cover Letters Types Broadcast Advertising Response Networking
Tell the world
Advertising Response
Reply to a specific vacancy
Networking
Request a meeting with a personal contact

7. Cover Letters Format- will it stand out?
Check it once, check it twice… NO spelling or grammatical errors, please!
Use resume paper

8. Cover Letters Questions to consider:
as attachment or separate typed letter?
Follow the directions to apply; some will say to submit your resume and cover letter (or letter of intent); some online postings have a place for you to paste your cover letter in the box; some will instruct you to with attachments.
Will it make or break my chances of getting a job?
You cover letter says a lot about you. It should be free of spelling and grammatical errors. You want to present yourself professionally on paper. Be sure to proofread.
How much time should I invest?
40% of cover letters are read. Take the time to put together a cover letter you feel good about and will use.

9. Cover Letters Tips to remember:
Address your interviewer(s) personally if possible (name of the hiring manager, director of human resources, etc.)
Double-check your spelling and grammar
Be honest and sincere when sharing your story.

10. Thank You Letters Who should you thank? When should you send it?
Interviewers
References
Networking contacts
When should you send it?
As soon as possible
What format?
Handwritten is more personalized

11. Thank You Letters Content:
Thank interviewers for their time, remind them of your key qualifications, and mention any connection you have to him/her.
Thank references for time/effort and include the result/what you are doing now.
Thank contacts for meeting with you, information they provided & remind them of your career goals.