1 Lesson 5 Killer Cover Letters

2 What is the purpose of a cover letter? serves as your first real contact with the person who may become your employer your chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job a concise, well-written cover letter that contains the right information will make a good first impression (may result in the employer reading your résumé)

3 The following four questions should be answered in your cover letter: 1.Why are you writing to the employer? 2.Why should he/she consider you as a candidate for the job? 3.What qualifications, skills, values, etc. do you have that the employer or company could benefit from? 4.What are you prepared to do to support your application for this position?

4 What information should be included in a cover letter? contact information date contact person’s name and title company name and address greeting 3 paragraphs signature

5 Contact Information full name address phone number address (optional)

6 Date date that you will be dropping off, mailing or ing your cover letter and résumé be sure to include the month, day and year

7 Contact Person’s Name and Title find out who the contact person is for the job, and include their name and title (i.e. Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss.) –If the ad doesn't supply a contact, phone and get the right name. –Never assume a person is male or female based on a first name - check it out. be sure to spell the name correctly be sure to include the contact person’s position or job title

8 Company Name and Address company name and address should be included under the contact person’s name and position

9 Greeting most cover letters begin with: Dear _____________, only include the contact person’s title and last name here (exclude their first name)

10 Three Paragraphs 1 st Paragraph –explain the purpose of the cover letter and resume –state the job/position you are applying for (include a reference number, if provided) –explain how you found out about the job/position (who, where?) 2 nd Paragraph –highlight your major qualifications/skills that relate to the job you are applying for (refer to what the company does, and how your skills, abilities and experience can be a valuable addition to their team) –include any special training or experience you have 3 rd Paragraph –express appreciation and enthusiasm about the possible opportunity –request an interview (include your contact phone number in your request)

11 Signature Most cover letters end with… Sincerely, Yours truly, Regards, or some other formal closure, followed by your signature be sure to SIGN YOUR COVER LETTER after you print it

12 Cover Letter Odds & Ends take time to learn about the company or organization you are applying to; if your cover letter is tailored to the company and the job, you'll show the employer that you can be a good fit keep your letter to one page type it on good quality, 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper proof-read your letter, and ask someone else to read it as well correct the errors, and print a clean copy , mail or hand-deliver your cover letter and résumé; keep a copy for your files, and note the date that it was sent out allow plenty of time for delivery; don't wait until the day before a deadline