* DO NOW: * With your neighbor, switch resume drafts to proofread – get at least 2 classmates to look at your resume * OBJECTIVES: * Learn about cover letters * Write a cover letter * HW: * Continue to work on and perfect your resume & cover letter * Have printed draft of your cover letter

CH 18

* A message written to an employer that expresses interest in a job and asks for an interview * A sales tool that markets you * Formal business letter

* Address the letter to a specific person, rather than just the company * Enclose a resume with your letter! * Print your letter on the same paper as your resume * Keep the same styling between resume & letter (and anything else in your resume packet)

* Capture the reader’s attention * Include: * That you are applying for a position * Name of the position you are applying for * How you learned of the opening * Identify your abilities

* “Please consider me as an applicant for the management trainee position you advertised in the October 12 issue of the Daily Leader. My degree in management and my work experience as an assistant store manager qualify me for this position.”

* Convince the employer you are the right person for the job * Use “you” attitude * Interpret the facts in your resume – don’t just restate * Illustrate how your education, experience, and other qualifications make you the best candidate for the job

* Explain how your qualifications meet those that are requested: * “As a quality control inspector, I worked closely with the plant manager to improve quality and reduce costs. During my year in this position, my department was rated Number 1 in quality, and costs were down 8 percent.”

* Not much work experience? Focus on other qualifications – education, activities, honors, ability to learn quickly, enthusiasm, etc. * “During my first year of college, I was awarded an academic scholarship. While working toward my associate degree in business administration I was elected Vice President of the school’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter. As Vice President, I organized and hosted a fund-raising event for leukemia research.”

* Confident tone * Ask for the interview! * Say how your skills and background fit their requirements – “you” attitude * Any extra contact details not in your header * Avoid the cliché phrases at your convenience and my enclosed resume

Cover letter checklist – GRADE 30 POINTS - correct formal letter format - overall design - matches resume, is appealing - includes all points listed for opening paragraph: Statement applying for a position Name of position Where you learned of opening Abilities Body Convincing - persuasive “you” Interpretation of facts Explaining how your qualifications meet those requested Closing Confident Statement asking for interview “you”

* Using the same header & font as in your resume, start writing your cover letter