What is a Cover Letter/Letter of Introduction? Showcasing Your Individuality

What is the purpose of a cover letter? Introduces you and your resume to potential employers It is the first document an employer sees, so it is the first impression you will make. Cover letters also: ▫Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume ▫Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements ▫Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application ▫Provide a sample of your written communication skills

Where to begin? One way to learn about a company and what it values is to carefully read the job ad. ▫Job advertisements describe the qualifications and skills a company is looking for in a candidate. Therefore, they are good resources to learn what a company values...they spell it out for you. We have already annotated the job ads., so you should have a firm grasp on what the company is looking for.

Example Look for the key words… ▫"Looking for a highly-motivated, customer-oriented individual with excellent communication skills and multi-tasking ability to write public relations material." ▫Key words: highly motivated, customer-oriented (customer service), communication, multi-task, public relations material Proof you can offer to meet these keywords: ▫I have kept a 3.8 GPA while being treasurer of WHS and tutoring other students (motivated, communication, multi-task). ▫I have worked as a waiter and as a sales manager at a computer store (customer service, communication). ▫I have worked on the WHS newspaper committee and conducted numerous student interviews (public relations, communication).

Parts of a Cover Letter There are four basic parts to a cover letter: heading, introduction, argument/bo dy, and closing. Annotate on your cover letter outline notes to help you develop your paragraphs.

Heading Provide your contact information. Include the date you are writing the letter. Include the address of the company.

Introduction Greet the specific person with whom you are corresponding. State the position you are applying for and where you heard about it. Name drop if you have a good connection. State why you believe you are a good match for the position and the organization, including 2-3 the marketable skills that you will address in the rest of the letter (these items should match up with your resume).

Showing off your knowledge of the company The cover letter should focus on your ability to meet a company's needs. For example: ▫American Advertising is committed to providing their clients with superior customer satisfaction and one-on-one collaboration. My experience shows I can work with people from different backgrounds and cultures: I know how to put customer satisfaction first.

Example I have attached my resume and letters of recommendation in response to the opening for the Language Arts teaching position. I am absolutely thrilled that you are offering this position as I have realized through my experience as a long-term substitute at Whitney High School that this is a wonderful school and district to teach in. I am also enthusiastic at the opportunity to work for your district again as I am familiar with the local schools, educational goals and students through growing up in the Auburn/Rocklin area.

Argument/Body Tailor the cover letter for each job application. Focus each paragraph on one qualification that shows you are a good match. Give specific examples to prove where you got these skills and how you have used them before. Tell a story; do not just list your skills. Refer to your resume; do not repeat it. Do not use contractions.

Example Furthermore, I am enthusiastic to work for a school that truly sees the benefits of creating Learning Communities. As someone who currently works at a school developed around the PLC model, I clearly see the positive impacts these collaborative meetings have on the students. I use data to drive my next-step decisions and enjoy working with other educators to develop strategies to reach all students. I believe that creating professional learning communities is essential to education because if there is a heavy focus on teacher development, the students will reap the benefits of the improved instruction. I am someone who believes in constant reflection on my teaching practices in order to develop my strategies to better the students’ education. The PLC meetings truly provide an opportunity, for all involved, to share effective strategies, develop “norms”, and create lessons to inspire learning in the classroom.

Closing Close with a strong reminder of why you are a good match for the job and the organization. Request an interview in some way. Provide contact information. Thank the person for reading your material. Sign your name and print it underneath.

Example I am eager to speak with you and discuss my possible contribution to Country Press, as I feel my experiences in communication and customer service will be an asset to the company. I will be in touch with you within a week, and if you need to reach me, you can call , or me at Thank you for your time and consideration.

Formatting Length Keep to one page. Write one paragraph of introduction, three body paragraphs to highlight your skills, and one paragraph to conclude. Margins and Alignment Use standard margins (one-inch margins). Align all paragraphs to the left of the page. No indenting! Same font as resume. Grammar and Spelling Again, absolutely NO ERRORS. This is your first impression, so make it a good one!

More Information? See Perdue Owl