Mr. Johnson Cross Content Reading & Writing

Reading & Writing in Health Science? Why? How?

Purpose of a Cover Letter accompanies each resume you send out complements, not duplicates, your resume interprets the data-oriented, factual resume adds a personal touch creates a critical first impression (earliest written contact with a potential employer)

Types of Cover letters The application letter which responds to a known job opening The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search

Combine networking with direct contact. If you can enlist a friend of a friend to put in a word with the contact you're seeking, do so.

Befriend the person under the Contact Introduce yourself to your contact's assistant, secretary, or person responsible for answering the phone. Let him/her know why you're calling. Ask him/her if she could please look out for the letter you've sent. Enlist him/her help in reaching the contact.

Phone contact Leave only one phone message. However, Don't give up until you reach the contact. Prepare to make at least 15 calls before you reach your contact.

Include concrete examples of your achievements. Consider using bullet points. For instance, one bullet could say, "When I worked at the Gap from 2002 to 2004, I increased sales in the our store by 35%."

Forbes Magazine Write a "grabber" opening paragraph. In the first paragraph, lay out how you can help the company meet its challenges.

Body of Cover Letter lets the employer know 1.what position you are applying for 2.why the employer should select you for an interview 3.how you will follow-up

Sample Cover Letter #1 great? Good? Fair?

Many tips & specifics before you write Many of the following ideas and suggestions can be accessed from the following website-- a-cover-letter-that-employers-will-actually- read

Know Your Audience Before you write a letter, do your homework.

Know Yourself Simply who are you

Show, Don't Tell What have you actually done? What have you achieved?

Never Write the Same Letter Twice Different job Different company Different timing (you’ve changed or your situation has) Repeat some elements or ideas but more likely to be personal if you review & change it each time

The Follow Up Do what you said you would do in the closing paragraph Keep at it Make a friend at the workplace & take his/her advice Keep at it until you get through to the Contact

Demonstrate What Every Employer Wants to Know You're smart. You'll get things done. You'll fit in well.

Save file File name should be “your last name” underscore “coverletter” For example “johnson_coverletter”—no quotes Save to the Desktop first then to a thumb drive/memory stick