1. Cover & Thank-You Letters A cover letter draws attention to the resume and convinces the employer to grant you an interview. Use a one-page cover letter when you mail, fax or e-mail a resume or application. Thank-you letters leave a positive impression and set you apart from others.

2. Cover Letters A cover letter gives you another chance to emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization. Grab the prospective employer right away with the first line of the letter. Keep the ball in your court – let the employer know that you will initiate some type of action to get an interview.

3. Cover Letter Guidelines No spelling or grammatical errors – not even one! Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. Write it in your own words. Show that you know something about the company and the industry. Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. Make it quick and easy to read.

4. Sample Cover Letter Your Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Contact Phone # Email Today’s Date Addressee’s Name Professional Title Organization Name Mailing Address City, State, Zip Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Last Name,

5. Sample Cover Letter Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Last Name, Start your letter with a grabber – a statement that establishes a connection with the reader, a probing question, or a quotable quote. Briefly say what job you are applying for. The mid-section of your letter should be one or two short paragraphs that make relevant points about your qualifications. You should not summarize your resume! You may incorporate a bullet-point format here. Your last paragraph should initiate action by explaining what you will do next (ie, call the employer) or should instigate the reader to contact you to set up an interview. Close by saying “Thank you”. Sincerely, Your hand-written signature Your name (typed)

6. Colorado Career Ready Certificate Assessment-based credential signed by Governor John Hickenlooper, which certifies a job seeker's skills. Provides an advantage for employment by demonstrating that you've already attained the necessary skills an employer is looking for Used for getting a job, keeping a job and promotions To earn a certificate, you must pass WorkKeys assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information. The Career Ready Colorado certificate is available in four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum If you earn a level 4 or higher you can earn.5 elective credit Cost is $19.50

7. Writing Cover Letters http://www.buzzfeed.com/lekimble/writi ng-cover-letters-is-the-absolute-worst- as-to-6wij?sub=2586910_1602598 http://www.buzzfeed.com/lekimble/writi ng-cover-letters-is-the-absolute-worst- as-to-6wij?sub=2586910_1602598

8. Your assignment For this assignment you will write a cover letter to accompany your resume when applying for a job. Find a job opening for any company you may be interested in applying to or look on a job search website and choose an opening. The job can be in any field. Print a copy and sign your name at the bottom. Email yourself a copy of your updated resume and cover letter, save copies and then print one copy of each. You MUST turn in an updated resume and cover letter!