“The Power of a Cover Letter”

Two Different Types of Cover Letters: Non-Experienced Cover Letter Experience Cover Letter

Non-Experience Cover Letter They are short! Have three paragraphs! Consisting of: –Introduction –Background and Company Connection –Action request

Paragraph 1: Introduction You will need to explain the following: 1.What position you are interested in? 2.How you heard about the opening? 3.You are sending a resume to show that you are qualified for the position.

Paragraph 2: Background and Company Connection You will need to explain the following: 1.Why you are an excellent candidate for the position? 2.Call attention to the skills and abilities that make you the person to hire. 3.Add any additional skills and abilities that are not on your resume. 4.Do not give same information that is on your resume in your letter. 5.Show enthusiasm and interest in the company.

Example of Non-Experienced Cover Letter Dear Ms. Employer: Please see my enclosed résumé in response to the job opening for an Executive Assistant, which was posted on your company’s website. I am currently an administrative assistant at XYZ Corporation. In this position, I have honed my communication, interpersonal, and computer skills. I hold a ______ Degree from State University, with a concentration in _____. While at State University, I was captain of the speech team, and during my senior year, we were ranked in the Top 20 in the nation. I have an excellent work ethic, a positive attitude, and leadership skills. I am confident that I would be successful in your organization. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this job opening. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Experienced Cover Letters Used to sell skills, talents, education, and experience. Are four paragraphs long consisting of: –Introduction –Prove you are a problem solver –Matching –Closing

Paragraph 1: Introduction Tell the reader for which position you are applying. How did you learn about the job opening? Why are you interested in this job? How will your interest in this job benefit the employer?

Paragraph 2: Prove you are a problem solver Present to the employer how hiring you can make his/her job easier. How does your education relate to this job? Describe any related experiences you have had. Present PROOF in the form of numbers or statistics that demonstrate success in this area. Describe any additional RELATED transferable skills from unrelated jobs.

Paragraph 3: Matching Match the job description's requirements point-for-point with your qualifications. Print this section in a bullet-point format and use KEYWORDS from the ad. If the job requires a degree, describe how yours matches. If the ad asks for management experience, use a bullet point to describe how many years of experience you have. If the ad asks for Spanish-speaking individuals, use a bullet point to inform the reader you studied in Mexico for two summers, etc.

Paragraph 4: Closing Reiterate your interest in the job because of its match with your skills and because it fits within your long-term career plans. Provide information on how you can be contacted directly if they need additional information from you. Thank them for their consideration.

Experienced Cover Letter Sample: Dear Ms. Employer: I am enclosing my résumé and writing to you in response to the Office Manager position that your company has listed on its website; position code BG128. I am particularly interested in employment with Employer, Inc. because of your organization’s emphasis on customer service, quality products, and service to the community. I believe that my organizational, communication, and leadership skills would allow me to contribute to Employer, Inc. in this role. As an administrative assistant with XYZ Corporation, I developed and implemented a new organizational scheme for over 3000 files. I also assisted with payroll, budget, and supply ordering. I hold a Degree from State University, with a concentration in. While at State University, I was captain of the speech team, and during my senior year, we were ranked in the Top 20 in the nation.

My résumé fully details my education, skills, and experience. The following is a summary of my attributes as they relate to the position you are seeking to fill: Requirements: B.A. in Language Arts or related field years work experience. Fluency in 5 languages. My qualifications: B.A. in Speech Communications from State University. 7 years at XYZ Corp. Fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, and Swahili. I am extremely interested in the office manager position and look forward to the opportunity to speak with you. I can be reached at (999) or via at I will contact you in one week to follow up on this letter if we have not yet spoken. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

A Guide to Cover Letters A typical Cover Letter has the following sections: 1.Proper heading and date (see Samples). 2. Your address, the company’s address, and a salutation addressing the employer by the proper title (e.g., Mr., Ms., or Dr.). 3. The body – consisting of three to four paragraphs. –For non-experienced job candidates, three paragraphs are sufficient. –Experienced candidates should use a fourth paragraph.

Paragraph #1: Introduction or statement of your Cover Letter’s purpose. Paragraph #2: Explanation of why you want the job. Paragraph #3: Description of your qualifications and fit with company/agency job requirements (point- by-point). Paragraph #4: Next Step and Action Request. 4. Your signature and your name typed in full.

Rules of Writing Cover Letters 1. The sample letter is set up in “block style” – all text is flush with the left margin. 2. Use the same typeface as used for your résumé. 3. Don’t forget to sign your letter! 4. Don’t forget to enclose your résumé! 5. Double-space following the inside address and the salutation, between all paragraphs, and between the last paragraph and “Sincerely,....” within paragraphs, the text should be single-spaced.

6. Be sure to follow standard rules of grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. 7. A 12-point typeface size is usually used. 8. Set your right and left margins at 3/4 inch – begin the heading at least 1 inch from the top of the page. 9. Spell the names of the receiver and employer correctly. Incorrect spellings are embarrassing and could amount to a cover letter and résumé in the garbage can! Hint: After you have proofread your letter for typing and context errors, read your letter out loud. How does it “sound”? Does it flow smoothly from beginning to end? Were there any “awkward” pauses? If there were, recheck for possible errors.

Your Assignment: Write a Cover Letter on Choices Planner Software! (see handout)