2. Sing your praises in your cover letter

3. Sales Professionals Know: ♪ their product ♪ how to persuade without being pushy ♪ the importance of good manners ♪ how to convert best features of product into benefits for customer

4. Framework for Selling = ♪ Establish common ground, create interest, state your purpose ♪ Tell your sales story (qualifications) ♪ Close the sale -- ask for what you want (an interview) Framework for Your Letter

5. Sound Check ♪ I have conveyed enthusiasm for the position. ♪ I eliminated “fluff” and cut to the chase. ♪ I tailored the letter to the reader and the job. ♪ My tone is both professional and friendly. ♪ I sound confident, but not arrogant.

6. February 15, 2009 Buena Vista University 610W. Fourth Street Box 9999 Storm Lake, IA 50588 Mr. Richard Finch Director of Human Resources XYZ Company 9999 Ontario Street Anywhere, IA 99999 Dear Mr. Finch: Thank you for speaking with me by phone about the internship opportunity in your department for the coming summer. As I mentioned, I am completing my junior year at Buena Vista University and am anxious to apply what I’ve learned about business and especially the human resources area. I feel prepared to take this step and would appreciate your serious consideration. I can offer you a strong academic record in my business classes. My professors have noted my work ethic, punctuality, and numerical skills. I have successfully managed my time in order to play two varsity sports while maintaining a GPA above a 3.0. My experience as a teller at Peoples Bank, my involvement in sports and my volunteer service has helped me develop strong interpersonal skills so necessary in HR. Standard business letter formatting: Date, your address, company address, salutation – everything “left flush” Do not use “to whom it may concern.” Establish rapport, state why you’re writing. Convert the best features of the product (you) into something the employer wants or needs. ?

7. Furthermore, a recent class project in my Advanced Human Resources course allowed me to interview professionals in the field and observe benefit negotiations in a company similar to XYZ. This course inspired me to pursue the human resources area in business as a career choice. I am available for an interview on short notice. Spring semester at BVU ends on May 20 th, and I could begin immediately after that date. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Marcy Davis Marcy is connecting her experience to their business. Close the sale – ask for what you want and make it easy for them to take the next step. Four spaces between Sincerely and your printed name. Remember to sign the letter!

8. YOU CAN MEET THEIR NEEDS Show how YOU are qualified, and …… It’s what you can do for THEM! Remember:

9. ….it will be………………. music to their ears.

10. Office of Career Services careerservices@bvu.edu Monday-Friday 8 – 5 evenings by appointment 749-2440 West Wing, Siebens Forum www.bvu.edu/career