Cover Letter Writing Rosemarie Sena Center Career Development Services

What is a Cover Letter? Application Letter Letter of Introduction Any letter to an employer that accompanies or “covers” a resume

A Good Cover Letter …. Is a form of Business Communication Introduces YOU on paper to a prospective employer Is a personal marketing tool, targeting your education, skills, and experiences Can be a key factor in helping you get an interview(s) Draws attention to key information on your resume

Cover Letter Do’s Address the letter to a specific person Individualize each letter Refer to interest in a specific position Answer the question “why you?” Pay attention to details Use the employer’s terminology Close by describing your next step

Cover Letter Don’ts “To Whom it May Concern” Form Letters Poor grammar, punctuation, or spelling General, unsupported statements Incomplete contact information Handwritten letters Letters over 1 page in length

General vs. Specific General Sue: “I have always had an interest in your products. Furthermore, working for a fine company like yours would be just what I am looking for.”

General vs. Specific Specific Mary: “There are two reasons for my interest in ABC Company. First, I am convinced from my research that your main product, the self-opening envelope, will capture a large share of the stationery market. Second, I am impressed by a recent article in Inc. magazine that referred to your firm as one ‘destined to grow straight into the 21 st century.’ Since I want to grow with an innovative company, ABC Company would be a great place to build my career.”

General Tips Word process cover letters Use good quality, light colored paper Choose a font type & size that is easy to read Proofread, Proofread, Proofread Sign each letter

Examining Job Advertisements Child Protective Service Worker I Position # Salary: $23,308 Duties & Responsibilities: Investigate child abuse and neglect complaints. Develop and implement service plan for children and caretakers in need of services. Applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in a human services field, or degree in another field with two years of social services related experience. Must be able to work outside normal business hours, including 24 hour on-call responsibilities. Must reside in localities served by Staunton-Augusta DSS.

Job Ads (cont.) Admissions Coordinator BA in Education, Counseling, Marketing or related fields, ability to travel, proven track record in public speaking, community relations and special events planning, ability to handle multiple projects and work independently, recruiting, interviewing and communication skills, work background with “at-risk” teens. Fax or mail resume by 2/4/00 to: BRHS-Admissions, 8977 Dry Creek Road, Belgrade, MT Fax: (406)

Cover Letter Format Heading (with name/address info) Employer’s Name, title and address Salutation Opening Paragraph (Why? What? How?) Middle Paragraph(s) (Why interested? Work experience, skills and abilities, related education) Closing Paragraph (Request interview, address follow-up action, and express gratitude) Sincerely, Signature Enclosure

What the Experts Say About Cover Letters “Because you can use your cover letter to highlight certain aspects of your resume, the same resume can be used to pursue different job opportunities. The beauty of the cover letter is that you can gear it to each particular company that is the recipient of your resume by stressing your most important qualification.” -Adele Lewis “A resume without a cover letter is like an unannounced salesperson showing up at your door. If you are going to let in a perfect stranger, you at least want to see their credentials. This is exactly what a cover letter does-it introduces you, a total stranger, to the reader. It must be compelling, personable, and brief. It needs to specifically relate to the position in question. Remember, you only have eight seconds to convince the reader to invite you in.” -Barbara Vinitsky & Janice Benjamin