Cover Letters..the thing you put in front of your resume.

Purpose of a Cover Letter There are specific reasons for including a cover letter when submitting a résumé to a prospective employer. These include: There are specific reasons for including a cover letter when submitting a résumé to a prospective employer. These include: Identifying your reason for writing the employer Identifying your reason for writing the employer Linking major job requirements with your related past performance and experience Linking major job requirements with your related past performance and experience Demonstrating what you can do for the employer Demonstrating what you can do for the employer Craft your letters to reflect what is appropriate for your audience and respond to the specific requirements of the position. Craft your letters to reflect what is appropriate for your audience and respond to the specific requirements of the position.

Your information comes first… Address Address Date Date Note: You do not need name here because it will appear at the bottom.

Their Information Their official name and Title Their official name and Title Name of Company Name of Company Address Address Phone Number (extension) Phone Number (extension)

Salutation Dear Mr. Mrs. Miss, Ms. Etc…… Dear Mr. Mrs. Miss, Ms. Etc…… Find out specifically who to send the packet to. Find out specifically who to send the packet to. It may mean making a phone call. It may mean making a phone call. Do not insult anyone by misspelling their names or by making assumptions. Do not insult anyone by misspelling their names or by making assumptions.

First Paragraph State where you learned of the job. State where you learned of the job. (See examples) State specifically what job you are applying for. State specifically what job you are applying for. This paragraph should be 2-3 lines. This paragraph should be 2-3 lines.

The Body (2 nd Paragraph) Do some personal marketing - elaborate on your strengths as they relate to the employer’s needs Do some personal marketing - elaborate on your strengths as they relate to the employer’s needs Be honest - provide specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge and experience Be honest - provide specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge and experience Refer to your enclosed résumé and/or portfolio Refer to your enclosed résumé and/or portfolio Wrap-up by identifying your potential contributions to the organization Wrap-up by identifying your potential contributions to the organization (see examples) Must be 4-6 lines Must be 4-6 lines

Conclusion Thank employer for the time spent to review and consider your materials. Thank employer for the time spent to review and consider your materials. Indicate your willingness to answer further questions or provide additional information. Indicate your willingness to answer further questions or provide additional information. Let the employer know when and where you can be contacted and give the employer your telephone number and/or address. (see examples) Let the employer know when and where you can be contacted and give the employer your telephone number and/or address. (see examples) Must be 2-3 lines. Must be 2-3 lines.

Signature Type: Sincerely, Type: Sincerely, 4 spaces 4 spaces Type your name Type your name Sign your name in between with pen Sign your name in between with pen

Example: 123 Main Street 123 Main Street Disney World, Fl Disney World, Fl February 7, 2008 February 7, 2008 Steven Speilberg, Director Amblin Productions 321 ET Drive Hollywood, CA Dear Mr. Speilberg, While making my last animated film, Goofy, a long time co-worker and current director at your studio, informed me that casting will begin for your new action film Vengeance. I would like to offer my candidacy for that role. As you can see from my enclosed resume, I have vast experience in film. The As you can see from my enclosed resume, I have vast experience in film. The many animated shorts and feature length movies have given me tbe discipline and flexibility needed for such projects. From Steam Boat Mickey to the the academy award winning Fantasia, my credentials prove me to be an excellent actor. Being in the business for over 70 years, while still maintaining my youthfulness, further establishes my desire and ambition in this field. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you desire any further information, please contact me at (898) LUV-MICK. Sincerely, Mickey Mouse.

Follow Up In a few days, call to insure they received the necessary information. In a few days, call to insure they received the necessary information. Whether you get the job OR NOT, send a Whether you get the job OR NOT, send a “Thank You” letter. Do not “burn any bridges.” Do not “burn any bridges.” Take your portfolio with you on the interview. Take your portfolio with you on the interview.

First Impressions Often, the resume packet is the first introduction the employer may have with you—so make it professional and error free. Often, the resume packet is the first introduction the employer may have with you—so make it professional and error free. If mailing the packet, even folding becomes important for appearance. If mailing the packet, even folding becomes important for appearance. Envelope appearance is important. Envelope appearance is important. Do not staple your packet. Do not staple your packet.

Characteristics of a Strong Cover Letter Addressed to a specific individual and position Addressed to a specific individual and position Verified correct spelling of recipient’s name and title Verified correct spelling of recipient’s name and title Organized and visually pleasing Organized and visually pleasing Clear and concise in articulation of skills and interests Clear and concise in articulation of skills and interests Technically correct in grammar and spelling; error free Technically correct in grammar and spelling; error free Presented on high quality paper/envelope. You will have to go to Wal-Mart or Staples and actually BUY resume stock paper. Presented on high quality paper/envelope. You will have to go to Wal-Mart or Staples and actually BUY resume stock paper. Ideally one page with careful editing. Ideally one page with careful editing.