Cover Letters Who needs a cover letter?

Cover Letters Who needs a cover letter? Everyone who sends out a resume!!

Cover Letters Who needs a cover letter? Everyone who sends out a resume!! If not requested, it is expected

Cover Letters Keep it short (1 page max.)

Cover Letters Keep it short (1 page max.) Address it to the person who can hire you.

Cover Letters Keep it short (1 page max.) Address it to the person who can hire you. Never “To whom it may concern” “Dear Sir or Madame”

Cover Letters Use formal title (Mr., Ms, Dr., Professor)

Cover Letters Use formal title (Mr., Ms, Dr., Professor) Spell their name correctly!!!

Cover Letters Write naturally in your own works

Cover Letters Write naturally in your own works Use proper grammar

Cover Letters Write naturally in your own works Use proper grammar Spell everything correctly!!!

Cover Letters Show that you know something about the institution/company.

Cover Letters Show that you know something about the institution/company. Tell them why the position is attractive to you. (What caught your eye?)

Cover Letters Include exact terms/phrases that were in the job ad.

Cover Letters Include exact terms/phrases that were in the job ad. Spell everything correctly!!!

Cover Letters 1. Header with your name (highlighted slightly) -your return address -contact numbers.

Cover Letters 2. Today’s date 3. Name, title and mailing address of the addressee

Cover Letters 4. Salutation with title. Followed by a comma. or follow by a colon if it’s serious business

Cover Letter Content 1. Which position are you applying for,

Cover Letter Content 1. Which position are you applying for, and why did this job attract you.

Cover Letter Content 1. Which position are you applying for, and why did this job attract you. no cute “eye catching” phrases

2. Briefly tell them about yourself. Cover Letter Content

2. Briefly tell them about yourself. Especially why you are qualified for this particular position. Cover Letter Content

3. Tell them what action you have taken. - you spoke with xxx. - you will meet xxx at xxx. - you request xxx (sparingly) Cover Letter Content

3. Tell them what action you have taken. - your resume enclosed, - completed application form, - reference letters in the mail, but ONLY if requested. Cover Letter Content

4. Thank them (but briefly). Cover Letter Content

4. Thank them (but briefly). don’t ramble on about “any consideration you give to my application will be greatly appreciated”. Cover Letter Content

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper White or off white.

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper White or off white. Cotton blend, lb.

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper White or off white. Cotton blend, lb. Preferably with water mark. (must orient with your text)

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper Never colored paper.

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper Never colored paper. Never, ever paper with graphics, patterns or textures.

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper Never colored paper. Never, ever paper with graphics, patterns or textures. Never too heavy, recycled or glossy.

Resumes and Cover Letters the Paper Never colored paper. Never, ever paper with graphics, patterns or textures. Never too heavy, recycled or glossy. (don’t be remembered as unprofessional dork)

Application Packet Include: Resume Cover Letter if requested or required (application form) (statement of interest) (transcripts) (any thing else)

Application Packet Include: * everything they ask for. * nothing else.

Application Packet Staple by groups. (resume pages, cover letter) Paper clip all. Tasteful, oriented postage stamps. Printed address label preferred to hand written.

Assignment due Thursday, Jan 18 (beginning of class) Go to this Web Site: Select an internship that your are interested in. Print a copy of the announcement/ advertisement. Complete a Resume & Cover Letter appropriate to apply for the position (quality paper). Submit them to me in an 8x10, addressed manila envelope (for the assignment, not real).

Feedback for Previous Classes 1. SIGN YOUR LETTER (automatic toss if unsigned) 2. Do not use contraction in professional writing. 3. Try to find the name of individual. Make sure the title is appropriate (e.g. if they are a Dean, they have a PhD.) 4. Address to their position/office not just the institution. 5. Always include your qualifications. What do you bring to them. What you want, want, hope or would like is not a qualification. 6. Properly address an envelope. Return at upper Left (may not be opened without return) Address Center Right 7. Keep references to race, and religion out of the process.

Feedback for Previous Classes 8. Spell out the date. January Does “6/9/08” mean June 9th or September 6th (depends on country) Use Military style: day MON yr (6 Sep 08) (9 June 08) 9. Take the automatic hyper-link option out of your word processor. Your address should appear in black ink, not pseudo-color gray. 10. Keep all margins at least 1 inch.