1. COVER LETTERS AN INTRO TO THE RESUME

2. Cover Letters Are Included With Resumes And Sent To Prospective Employers With The Purpose Of ; u Applying for a specific job u Informing the prospective employer of your qualifications. u Selling yourself as the right person for that particular job

3. Write a letter that will actually get read! Prospective employers read dozens of letters and memos each week. In order to catch the employers eye... u Keep your letter clear and to the point. u Sell them on the idea of granting you a job interview. u Tell why you are the best candidate for the position

4. THE MAGIC FORMULA FOR WRITING A SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTER... u Seize attention u Perk interest u Get down to business u Show your stuff u Wrap it up

5. SEIZE ATTENTION-Paragraph 1 u FIRST PARAGRAPH: u Grab the employers’ interest by telling them why you are writing and give info to show interest u Name the position for which you are applying and how you heard of it

6. SEIZE ATTENTION (EXAMPLE). I am interested in applying for the customer service position recently advertised in Lincoln Journal Star. The skills I have developed from my work experience and academic background support my strong interest in customer service.

7. PERK INTEREST and SHOW YOUR STUFF-(2nd paragraph) u SECOND PARAGRAPH: u Get the employers’ interest and create a desire on the part of the employer to know more about you. u Tell why you are interested in in working for them. u Point out your qualifications and achievements in each paragraph.

8. Perk Interest and Show Your Stuff Continued u The second paragraph should refer to highlights on your resume. Point out items that you are particularly proud of and elaborate u Make sure you highlight particular points on your resume that relate to the job u Each of these paragraphs should have a unique focus

9. SHOW YOUR STUFF IN THE 2ND PARAGRAPH u If you just graduated from school, if you just got out of the service, or if you have some hands-on experience-say so u List qualifications that you possess that would be needed for the job

10. PERK INTEREST AND SHOW YOUR STUFF (EXAMPLE). As you will note from my enclosed resume, I have taken many Advanced Placement courses and have participated in many extra-curricular activities. These courses and activities have allowed me to work with many different people and develop excellent team building skills, both of which are imperative when working in the customer service industry.

11. (Perk Interest and Show Your Stuff-EXAMPLE 2) u In addition, I have gained valuable leadership experience as the President of the Soccer Club and student manager of the North Star basketball team. Through these experiences, I have readily accepted the duties of…….

12. Summary (Paragraph 3) u The closing paragraph should pave the way for an interview u Ask for an appointment u Offer to call the employer in the near future u Show enthusiasm and wrap it up

13. Summary Example I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss my skills and qualifications. The chance to work for such an outstanding company and continue in a career field I truly enjoy is desirable to say the least. I will contact you late next week to arrange an appointment. Thank you for your time and consideration.

14. A WELL WRITTEN COVER LETTER WILL... MAGNIFY YOUR CHANCES AT GETTING AN INTERVIEW!!!