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What do you know? What is a cover letter? What makes a good cover letter? Discuss in your groups. We will write down, and discuss what we need to work on today. You have a test on Tuesday, June 9th. We also need to work on the culminating activities. http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/goodbadcovlet.htm

What should I write to make my application stand out? To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. To be able to brainstorm and write a group cover letter in order to apply for a specific job – audience and purpose. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; The Cover Letter is the document that accompanies your résumé when you are applying for a job. is short (200-250 words), with a quite rigid structure and has the layout of a letter. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; GoaL is to introduce the résumé, to bring to attention aspects of your activity that can help your application and are not listed or not presented in the proper light in the resume. is to answer the recruiter’s question:”Why should I hire this person?” Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. Let’s read through the layout of a cover letter. Do we know what audience means? Why is knowing your audience important? Let’s write down a definition of the word “audience”. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. If you know the name of the addressee, start with Dear Mr, Ms, Mrs, Dr, without full stop that you might expect to follow the abbreviation, and the surname of the addressee, followed by comma (Dear Dr Smith,). In this case, you should end the letter with the salutation “Yours sincerely”. Dear Mr. Smith: Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. If you do not know the name of the addressee, start with Dear Sirs, or Dear Sir or Madam and close with “Yours faithfully”. (In American business correspondence, “Yours truly” is acceptable in both cases.) Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Structure (no more than four paragraphs.) The goal of the first paragraph is to specify what you are applying for and how did you find out about the opportunity. I am responding to your advertisement in The City Tribune (dated 1/20/00), regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative position.  Please find enclosed my resume showing my education, experience, and background. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. The second paragraph should list your skills and qualifications that make you the right person for the position you are applying for. (Read carefully the announcement, identify the requirements and see how your skills match those required.) Do not simply state that you have them, prove it. I have over 7 years experience in the sales and marketing field, and 3 years experience as an LPN staff nurse. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. You should start from your experience and show that how you have developed those qualifications by doing what you have been doing/learning. The second paragraph should show why you are good for the job. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. The third paragraph should point out why you want it. You should outline your interest for the skills you are going to learn if you get the job. The impression left should be that you could make a genuine contribution to the company’s operations, while simultaneously deriving satisfaction from your work. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. The last paragraph outlines your availability for an interview, suggesting in this way a concrete follow-up for your application. May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time. Thank you for your time and consideration. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. After the fourth (last) paragraph leave a blank space, same as you should do in the beginning, after the salutation (Dear..). Write the proper closing (Yours..) and your name. Leave a blank space between the closing and your name and to sign the letter in that space. Yours sincerely, Sally B. Doe Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Canadian Experience is a MUST The one major complaint about working in Canada is that many companies expect you to have “Canadian” experience. Sometimes you’re going to have to take a job that does not relate to your educational background, but you need to gain experience first. You start from the bottom and work your way up. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. Print the letter on A4 white paper same as that on which your CV was printed, and put both documents in an A4 envelope of matching color. (If you are emailing it request a notification that yoour documents have been received.) Wait at least 2 weeks since the day you sent your application or after the deadline before writing again in the case you did not get any answer. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Your Contact Information Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email Address Date Employer Contact Information (if you have it) Name Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact) Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. First Paragraph The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Middle Paragraph(s) The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Final Paragraph Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. Complimentary Close Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) Typed Signature

What should I write to make my application stand out? To know the conventions of a cover letter. To understand the importance of the cover letter when applying for a job. To be able to brainstorm and write a group cover letter in order to apply for a specific job – audience and purpose. Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing

Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; To be able to brainstorm and write a group cover letter in order to apply for a specific job – audience and purpose. You’re going to apply for a position. In your groups, you decide on which job you would apply for. What do you need to include for this position? Placemat. Audience and purpose Format; Formal vs Informal; Registers; Salutation; Closing