1. Cover Letters
Ms. Batichon

2. APK This unit has THREE purposes:
We will understand the definition of a Cover Letter;
We will learn how to properly format a cover letter;
We will also continue to practice our typing skills (remember to use the home keys when you are typing).

3. K-W-L chart What we know: (write it down)
What do you already know about a Cover Letter?
What we want to know: (Write it down)
What we learned: (we will come back to this at the end of class, do not write anything yet).

4. Video

5. As you watch the video think about these two Questions
Why should you write a Cover Letter?
What information should you put in a Cover Letter?

6. Cover Letters
A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience;
Employers use cover letters as a way to screen applicants for available jobs and to determine which candidates they would like to interview. If an employer requires a cover letter, it should be listed in the job posting;
A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for; and
Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

7. Cover Letter
When you're writing a cover letter, spacing is important regardless of what format your letter is in.
An cover letter needs to be as properly formatted as a typed cover letter.

8. Cover Letters Leave a space between your address and the date.
Leave a space between the heading and the salutation.
Leave a space between each paragraph.
Single space the paragraphs in your cover letter or message.
Leave a space between the final paragraph and your closing.
Leave a space between the closing and your signature.

9. Cover Letter
When you're sending an message, leave a space before your full signature, with contact information.
Your cover letter should be one page, or less.
Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most, with a space between each paragraph.
Use a 10 or 12 point font that is easy to read like Times New Roman or Arial.
Align your cover letter to the left.
In Microsoft Word, select your letter and click on Align, Text, Left.
Format an cover letter just like a traditional letter with spaces in between each paragraph and your signature.

10. Cover Letter SALUTATION
It's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message;
If you have a contact person for your letter, be sure to include their name in your letter;
The following is a list of letter salutation examples that are appropriate for cover letters:
Dear Mr. Jones,
Dear Ms. Jones,
Dear Jane Doe,

11. Cover Letter SALUTATION
If you don't have a contact person at the company:
Either leave off the salutation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph of your letter or use a general salutation.
General Salutations for Cover Letters:
Dear Hiring Manager,
To Whom It May Concern,
Dear Human Resources Manager,
Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Company Name Recruiter,

12. The Body Section of a Cover Letter
The most important part:
It explains why you are interested in and qualified for the job for which you are applying for;
It tells the hiring manager what position you are applying for and why the employer should select you for an interview;
You're selling your candidacy to the reader; and
It's important to be specific about your qualifications as they relate to the position

13. The Body Section of a Cover Letter
First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing;
Mention the position you are applying for and where you saw the listing; and
Include the name of a contact, if you have one.
Middle Paragraphs:
Describe what you have to offer the employer;
Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for; and
Use several shorter paragraphs or a bulleted list of your qualifications rather than one large block of text.
Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position; and
Include information on how you will follow-up.

14. Cover Letter closing
It's important to close your letter in a professional manner; and
Follow the closing with a comma.
Cover Letter closing examples:
Sincerely
Sincerely yours
Regards
Best regards
Kind regards
Yours truly
Most sincerely
Respectfully
Respectfully yours
Thank you
Thank you for your consideration

15. Cover Letter closing Cover Letter Closing Example: Best regards,
Jane Doe
DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR LETTER!!!

16. What makes a good Cover Letter?
Example 1: It explains the reason why you are interested in the job ….
2) Always Typed;
3) It explains the reason why you are applying;
4)One page or less (get to the point);
5)Have an appropriate salutation;
6)It describes what you have to offer;
7)Professional tone;
8)Spacing and formatting;
9)Mention skills and experience; and
10)Say thank you at the closing.

17. Questions!!!