2.  It’s one of your job search tools.  It ‘covers’ something your resume doesn’t.  It communicates your interest in a position.  It states why you are qualified for the position.

3. Why Do I Need It? What Do I Need? How Do I Write One?

4.  The cover letter is your ticket to ask for a job interview.  It’s an introduction of you – a preview of what is to come.  If written well, it should interest the employer to read your resume or if crafted poorly, the employer will toss it!

5.  The Employment Posting Just One Thing… Education Level : -BFA/BS/BA degree in Interior or Architectural Design Career Level : Entry Level About the Job: OEC Business Interiors, the lead provider of office furnishings, architectural and audiovisual products and services, in Gainesville, FL. Seeks an entry level Designer to join us in the development of space planning, product applications and specifications of corporate office interiors. We’re looking for a Designer with excellent design and computer skills. The successful candidate must be able to multi task and prioritize time, have excellent communication skills, be detail oriented, interface well with clients, and have a strong creative background. This position will involve: -Provides design services to customers, including site and inventory verifications, programming, typical development, color boards, installation drawings and specifications -Analyzing and assessing office furniture use and needs -Developing/executing space plans, product application drawings, specifications and installation plans in AutoCAD/CAP software Qualifications: -0-2 years of experience in furniture/office/space planning with AutoCAD/CAP -Ability to quickly assess customer needs and develop product strategies/solutions -Dealership or manufacturer experience preferred but not required -Steelcase product knowledge a benefit -Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and oral Contact: Send Resumes/Portfolio via email-Jamie Lunde or David SalterJamie LundeDavid Salter

6. Just like a resume, there is a specific layout used when creating your cover letter. This format is as follows: Date Employer’s Mailing Address Salutation First Paragraph Second Paragraph Closing Paragraph Closing

7. Mr. Charles Desoto, Interior Designer Charles Creations 123 Root Canal, Suite 100 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Ms. Geena Minkle, General Manager Designers-R-Us 456 Frown Drive Upset, MN 49254

8. Dear Dr. Ralph Mouth, Dear Mr. J. Hopkins, Dear Mrs. Rasputen, Dear Ms. Marchelowtiz, Dear Professor Smith, Dear Father Mitchell, Try your best to identify to whom you should address your cover letter. Sometimes, it just takes a phone call to the company, reviewing their company website, etc. Take that extra step! But, What If I Still Can’t Figure It Out?

9.  Review the job posting handout.  First Assignment Include: -The Date -Employer Contact -Salutation

10. This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Provide the reason why you are writing the letter. 2. State the source of the job opening. 3. Express interest in the position. Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Interior Designer Assistant position with Designer Wyner as posted in the Interior Design Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

11.  Review the job posting handout.  Write the First Paragraph.

12. This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Provide the reason why you are writing the letter. 2. State the source of the job opening. 3. Express interest in the position. Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Interior Designer Assistant position with Designer Wyner as posted in the Interior Design Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

13. This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while connecting them to the position you are applying. 2. Be honest with your skill set. 3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your resume. What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your Resume? Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Interior Design at Harcum College. While completing my internship at Creative Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating clients on design. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a n Intertior Design Assistant position.

14.  Review the job posting handout.  Write the Second Paragraph.

15. This paragraph should contain 3 key components: 1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while connecting them to the position you are applying. 2. Be honest with your skill set. 3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your resume. What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your Resume? Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Interior Design at Harcum College. While completing my internship at Creative Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating clients on design. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a n Intertior Design Assistant position.

16. This paragraph should contain 4 key components: 1. Request an interview or announce the next step. 2. Express your continued interest in the position. 3. Provide a method and information for contacting you. 4. Thank them!!! I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Interior Design Assistant position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

17.  Review the job posting handout.  Write the Closing Paragraph.

18. This paragraph should contain 4 key components: 1. Request an interview or announce the next step. 2. Express your continued interest in the position. 3. Provide a method and information for contacting you. 4. Thank them!!! I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Interior Design Assistant position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

19. Follow your closing paragraph with: Sincerely, Very Truly Yours, Sincerely yours, Sincerely, Robert H. Harpon Enclosure What’s This????

20.  Write the Closing.

21. January 20, 2010 Mr. Charles DeSoto, Interior Designer Creative Design 123 Root Canal, Suite 100 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 Dear Mr. DeSoto, Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Interior Designer Assistant position with Designer Wyner as posted in the Interior Design Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position. Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Interior Design at Harcum College. While completing my internship at Creative Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating clients on design. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as an Interior Design Assistant position. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Interior Design Assistant position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly. Sincerely, Robert H. Harpon Enclosure

23. Cover Your Resume Check For Typos! Be Concise Personalize it Follow The Directions Ensure Sentence Quality Market Yourself SAVE THEM!!! Cover Letter Tips