1. Getting The Job: Creating A Successful Cover Letter INDEPENDENT LIVING OCTOBER 1, 2015

2. Before we begin…  What is a cover letter?  Serves as an introduction to your resume  Must be individualized for each position  Reflects knowledge of employer’s needs

3. Serve A Purpose:  Introduce yourself to the possible employer  Demonstrate your interest in a specific vacant position  Usually the first contact you have with possible employer  Urges and convinces the possible employer to continue reading and interview you

4. Letter Organization:  Introduction, body, closing  MUST include:  Your interest in the organization  Reason for their interest in you  When and how they can contact you to schedule an interview  Letter format should include:  Date  Address of receiver  Greeting  Body of letter  Salutation  Signature

5. Introduction:  Capture the employer’s interest  Identify vacant position  Career objectives  Be excited but professional  Introduce them to your qualifications

6. Letter Body  Must be between 1-3 paragraphs  Show that you understand the nature of the position  Include examples of how you relate to skills or qualities desired  DO NOT MENTION MATERIAL ON RESUME

7. Closing  State gratitude of opportunity to interview  State best two ways to be contacted  Express enthusiasm to meet possible employer and other members of the company  Salutation

8. Last Minute Advice!  Use non-sexist language  Never take more then one page  Avoid overusing the word “I”  Use attention getting Action Verbs and Adjectives  PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD