COVER LETTERS THAT DELIVER!

Cover Letters Introduce you Sell them on you Market your skills Ultimate goal: Get them to look at your resume

Build an agenda Identify what they are looking for and match your skills Identify 2 or 3 selling points Don’t reiterate resume, add to it Getting Started

Your name Address Telephone Number Date Their Name Title Company Address City, ST Zip Dear Ms. So and So: Block Left Format; 12 pt.; Times or Arial Only Sincerely, Your Signature Typed Name Enclosure Setting Up Top of Page Bottom of Page

Paragraph One 1 st sentence-WHY you are writing and HOW you heard about it 2 nd sentence-What you bring to the position Two or three things that make you the best candidate That’s it!!

Example Please consider me for _________ that was advertised in the _________. My _________, ___________, and _________ (2 or 3 skills) make me an ideal candidate for this position.

2 nd & 3 rd paragraphs Tell them a story Prove that you have what you said in the first paragraph Not only talk the talk, but walk the walk

The best predictor of future performance is what you’ve done in the past! Tell Them a Story….

C-A-R Method Circumstance Give them background information on the situation Example: As President of Psych Society of the Psychology Department, I had a goal of increasing members from 35 to 50 by the end of our school semester.

C-A-R Method Actions What you specifically did Example: To achieve this goal, I organized a team of students to plan activities that would market the organization.

C-A-R Method Results What was the end result or what did you learn from the experience Example: These activities were so successful, our organization exceeded the goal by gaining 25 new, active members.

Closing the Letter Summarize the key points Show enthusiasm for the position Describe how you will follow up (only if you intend to) Thank them for their consideration

Example My candidacy offers your staff a well- established work ethic, a vision for the future, and a desire to achieve. With my experience and enthusiasm, I intend to inspire those with whom I work. I will contact your office the week of, May 2 nd, to discuss the possibility of an interview. Thank you, Jon Doe

Helpful Hints Watch “I” statements Showcase accomplishments and skills Write to someone if you can (get the info) Proofread Your Wurk; Check Spalling If you said you’d follow up- DO IT !! -What do you think?? ALWAYS send with job correspondence

A GOOD COVER LETTER CAN HELP YOU… …STAND ALONE IN A CROWD