1. 6 Secrets To Writing A Great Cover Letter Networking Session | 101 All programs offered through this grant are equal opportunity programs and as such, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. This program is funded by a grant from the US Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, the operation of the NJHPC is the responsibility of the individual colleges not the DOL. This document was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the US Department of Labor. The US Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information. The US Department of Labor does not guarantee the accuracy of the information, completeness, timeliness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This includes any information on linked websites. "How To Write a Cover Letter : PowerPoint" by Stafford, Inieka; Vaughan (editor), Amanda; Duddy (editor), Lisa, New Jersey Health Professions Consortium NJ PREP is licensed under CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 "How To Write a Cover Letter : PowerPoint" by Stafford, Inieka; Vaughan (editor), Amanda; Duddy (editor), Lisa, New Jersey Health Professions Consortium NJ PREP is licensed under CC BY 4.0

2. Your Cover letter is your first impression  A poorly constructed cover letter may doom your resume to the “No Need to Read” pile.

3. Don’t repeat your resume  A lot of people write cover letters as if they were paragraph-form resumes. Fact is, your letter will be stapled (or attached to the same email) as your actual resume, so you can assume that they’ll at least glance at it (and probably with a keener eye than your cover letter). Instead, use your cover letter to show personality, curiosity, and an interest in the field you are applying to work in.

4. Keep it short  Less. Is. More. Three paragraphs, tops. Half a page, tops. Skip lengthy exposition and jump right into something juicy.

5. Send as a PDF  Not every office computer can read.docx or.pages files, but virtually everybody can open a PDF file without any conversion. File conversions are bad for two huge reasons. First, they are just as likely to not bother and move onto the next applicant. And, second, conversions can introduce formatting errors.

6. Never ever, ever use the following phrase  “My name is ___, and I am applying for the position as ____”.They already know this, and you’ll sound inexperienced.

7. Punctuation Make sure the letter is PERFECT! Spelling, punctuation, and grammar count. Have someone proofread the letter before mailing it.

8. Create a letter… on your computer and use good quality paper. Cheap, flimsy paper makes your resume seem very ordinary. Do not use flashy colors!

9. Focus on the specific skills and interest you possess that you can offer the employer. Concentrate on skills which match the advertised employment qualifications. Sound upbeat and confident. Sell yourself!

10. Salary Don’t mention salary expectations unless the advertisement specifically requests it. In that case, the best strategy is to give a range.

11. Close strong  Finish off by quickly (and I mean quickly) explaining how your experience or worldview will help you at the job. That’s key. That’s the closer. And it can be done in one to two seconds. If it goes any longer, you’re just rambling.

12. Before mailing your cover letter… Can you answer Yes to the following questions?  Is it clear? Does it state exactly what I want it to state?  Is it concise? Does it state what I want it to state in the fewest possible words? Is it well organized?  Am I projecting to the employer the contribution I can make?  Have I stressed areas in my experience and/or education that are relevant to the person reading it?