1. Agenda and Objective: 1.Bellringer 2.Cover Letter Notes 3.Draft Your Cover Letter I can write an effective cover letter. CCS.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

2. Bellringer Write down a skill or strength that you have, and then write about a time when you have used that skill/strength effectively.

3. Flashback You always want to use professional tone when writing a cover letter. That said, you want to choose your words carefully. You don’t want to go through the thesaurus and choose a word with the wrong connotation. What mistakes does Joey make in this clip? Friends

4. Cover Letter Notes Many feel this way about cover letters: BUT…

5. Cover Letter Notes A cover letter gives you an opportunity to showcase the skills listed on your resume with specific examples/stories.

6. Cover Letter Notes So how do I write one?

7. Cover Letter Notes General Rules: Typed ONLY Spelling/Grammar DEFINITELY counts Address it to a specific person Approximately 3-5 paragraphs

8. Cover Letter Notes Top of the page: Your Full Name Your Address Your Phone # Your Professional Email Address

9. Cover Letter Notes Salutation: Dear Mr./Ms. __________, Mr./Ms. __________, Do whatever you can to find out the name of the supervisor/manager/boss. Try to avoid “To Whom it May Concern.” This lets them know you cared enough about the job to find out their name. They like that.

10. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 1: Ask for the job Name-drop (if possible) Mention the company by name and say something positive about it.

11. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 1: I desire a career that showcases my ability to help others discover what makes them feel beautiful. For this reason, I am submitting my application for the position of floor sales-clerk at Anne Taylor Loft of Fayette Mall, a company with a reputation of superior customer service, at the recommendation of current floor manager, Jill Scott.

12. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 2: Focus on the most valuable skill/strength you would bring to the job Tell a brief story of a time when you succeeded using this skill/strength Mention what first made you want to pursue this career path (optional).

13. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 2: After several years of volunteering with the United Way to help low-income families receive the maximum tax refunds possible and seeing the relief on their faces, I decided to pursue a career in accounting. My overt attention to even miniscule details makes me ideal for this career. I once saved a small start-up company from receiving up to $10,000 in devastating fines when I discovered a single error in their reporting and filing system. This allowed them to sign a 5 year contract with my previous accounting firm.

14. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 2 additions: State specific reasons. Bass Pro Shop has an undeniable reputation for making its customers feel welcome and valued, whether it’s greeting every customer at the door, providing treats for their hunting dogs, or staffing knowledgeable and approachable specialists in each department. This is precisely the type of employee that I am.

15. Cover Letter Notes Paragraph 3: Discuss your next steps (follow up), restate your high points briefly, and thank them for their time. Let your resume do most of the talking! My experience and innovation would offer Bass Pro Shops an opportunity to improve its already outstanding customer service, and I would love to contribute these skills through the position of manager. I will look forward to hearing from you concerning an interview, and I’m available at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

16. Cover Letter Notes Ending: Thank you for your consideration. or I appreciate your time. “Sincerely,” (this space is where you’ll sign) Your Name

17. Wrap Up You must have: Diction/Tone homework complete and turned in to Ms. Cole Letter to Teacher turned in to Ms. Cole If you have completed those things, you must complete: Rough draft of your resume Rough draft of your cover letter– Pick ANY JOB to write about – BRING A PRINTED COPY OF THESE ITEMS TO CLASS NEXT TIME!