1. Basics of Cover Letter Writing Department of Career Services

2. Overview What is a cover letter and its purpose What is AIDA? Who reads the letter ◦ “The Gatekeepers”  How to get past them Hands-On Exercises

3. Purpose of the Cover Letter A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Its purpose: ◦ Is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. ◦ A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. ◦ It creates a critical first impression.

4. The Gatekeepers Who are the “Gatekeepers?” ◦ They are the assistants or Human Resource people who screen the resume’s  They scan the resume for “key words”  The words are those that were in the original job posting ◦ It is their job to weed out those whose resumes and cover letters do not match the job posting

5. What is AIDA? It is the magic formula used by professional writing firms ◦ Attention ◦ Interest ◦ Desire ◦ Action

6. Attention In the first paragraph you need to grab the attention of the HR person. ◦ Tell them why you are writing ◦ Give good reasons for writing them Examples: ◦ “I would like to apply for _____ position I saw advertised on your site.” ◦ “I was referred to your company by _____ concerning the position of _______.”

7. Interest In the second paragraph you need to rouse their interest. ◦ Tell them what makes you the perfect fit ◦ Use (key) words from the job posting within paragraph. Examples: ◦ I have ___ years experience as a …” ◦ I just graduated with my MBA degree…” ◦ I worked on (project title) at (company name)…

8. Desire If responding to a posting, be sure to refer to the requirements listed in your letter. ◦ Create the desire by offering Three Solid accomplishments. Examples: ◦ I am very familiar with … ◦ I know how to use… ◦ I also have experience with…

9. Action Ask the HR person for an interview. Adapt one of the following that works best for you. ◦ “I would like to interview for the _____ position. I can be reached at (XXX) XXX- XXXX.” ◦ “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position with you in person. I can be reached either by phone at (XXX) XXX- XXXX, or by email at XXXXX@XXXXX.com”

10. Hands-on Exercise You will now write draft cover letters ◦ Use the information reviewed in presentation When finished bring to me for critique and evaluation.