Cover Letters and Resumes Notes

Cover Letter Format Tips A cover letter follows business letter format All text is single spaced ▫However, skip one line between each part of the letter (heading, inside address, salutation, body paragraphs, etc.) All text is justified to the left All text should be black Times New Roman 12 pt. font

Format of the Cover Letter Heading ▫Your name and address ▫Date Inside Address ▫Employers Title and address Salutation ▫Dear Mr. ___: ▫Dear Ms. ___: Body ▫3 paragraphs ▫Why you are writing ▫What you have to offer ▫How you will follow up Closing ▫Sincerely, Signature Printed Name Enclosure ▫Enclosed  Resume

Body Paragraphs of Cover Letter 1 st body paragraph ▫Why you are writing  Mention any contacts you have (people that referred you to this position)  Discuss how you learned about a potential position and title of position OR state your specific job objective  Express enthusiasm and the likely match between your credentials and experience to the job  Be sure to capture the readers attention in this paragraph, so they want to keep reading.

Body Paragraphs of Cover Letter 2 nd body paragraph ▫What you have to offer  Refer to specific qualifications listed if you are responding to a posting, showing how your experiences and abilities fit those specific requirements  Express your potential to fulfill the employer's needs rather than focus on what the employer can offer you  Give evidence that you have researched their organization and that you possess skills that could be used within that organization  Emphasize your achievements and problem-solving skills  Show how your work skills and education are transferable to the position which you are applying

Body Paragraphs of Cover Letter 3 rd body paragraph ▫How you will follow up  Reinstate your interest in the job  Let the employer know how they can reach you  Include phone number and/or  Ask for a job interview or informational interview  Say that you will call by a specific date to set up a convenient time for an appointment to follow up ▫Don’t forget to call by the timeline that you gave to them! ▫At least confirm that your materials were received.  Conclude with the fact that your references are available upon request, and/or state the availability of portfolios, samples, etc.

Resume Format Full name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone (Home / Cell) Objective (1-2 sentences of what you want to do and your employment goals) Qualifications (key achievements, skills, traits, and experience like communication skills, people skills, etc.) Experience (work history) Education (schools attended and degree received, plus special awards or honors) Skills (skills related to position like computer skills or languages you speak, etc.) *References available upon request.