1. COVER LETTERS & PERSONAL STATEMENTS

2. WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
In most cases, it is a one-page description of why you want the position and how you are qualified
Provides in more detail the accomplishments highlighted in your resume
Is subjective, showing connection to the job/field
Is a writing sample
Goal is to get an interview

3. HERE IS HOW TO START
Job Description - Identify 3 – 5 skills/requirements
Choose a specific example of when/how you demonstrated that skill
What other skills did you use?
What are the 3 – 5 things
you want them to
know about you?
First Create an Outline
Then Provide Detail

4. Evidence + Artifacts = Examples
EVIDENCE IS KEY
PROVE IT!
Evidence + Artifacts = Examples
Choose 8 – 10 Items from your Accomplishments to create a Showcase Portfolio

5. Cover letter outline Formal letter header Salutation #1 Introduction
#2 Relevant skill sets
#3 Why this company/job?
#4 Appreciation/conclusion

6. Formal Letter header
123 Maple Ave NE Bothell, WA ( un-hyperlink) ( double check)
Date
Dr. Sally Jones Hiring Manager Acme Company Business St SW Seattle, WA 98103

7. SALUTATION- MAKE AN EFFORT
Best- “Dear Dr. Jones:” ( use colon)
Try to find a name
Contact Human Resources
“Who is the hiring manager for this position?”
Research on website
Find person in charge of department
Contact the person
Check status of application
Ask a question that isn’t evident elsewhere
Fine line between enthusiasm and annoyance
Last Resort- “Dear Hiring Manager:”

8. FIRST PARAGRAPH- INTRODUCTION
Say what position you are applying
“I am submitting my application for your Social Media Manager position at Eddie Bauer that was posted on HuskyJobs.”
This is the time to name drop
“One of the reasons I am interested in applying for this position is I recently spoke with Larry Wilson, Social Media Associate, and learned how your company is leveraging social media to increase your marketing reach and my skills could help you continue to grow your presence.”
List your targeted transferable skills
“My 2 years experience in designing social media strategies, implementing marketing plans and designing advertising in academia and business settings are a great fit for the skills and qualifications you outlined.
This is the “hook” and what will make them want to read the rest of your letter in more detail.

9. SECOND PARAGRAPH- RELEVANT SKILLS
Choose the 3-5 skill sets outlined in the job description that you can back up with evidence from your eportfolios
Matching what they are looking for with the skills and experience that you have
Do not re-hash your resume
Should “wow” them to read
your resume by highlighting
relevant skills to tell specific
and detailed stories

10. CUSTOMIZE YOUR APPLICATION
Job description explains what the employer is looking for to customize your application
Tell the unique value you bring
Match the tone of the company/organization/industry
Incorporate keywords - Run the description and your cover letter through Tag Crowd ( a wordcloud site)

11. THIRD PARAGRAPH- WHY THIS JOB?
Missing from most cover letters and probably most important:
Why do you want this job/position
Make the employer feel “special”
> “You are a great company to work for”
Show that you have done your research: company website (about, values, mission statement), annual reports, GlassDoor.com, Google News
Match their mission with your accomplishments

12. FOURTH PARAGRAPH- APPRECIATION
Conclude your cover letter
“I hope that you can see that my qualifications match closely with your requested skill sets. After reviewing my application, I wish to have an opportunity to discuss in more detail why my skills might be a good fit for your company.”
Do not be too aggressive or presumptuous
Be gracious and professional
Add “Sincerely,” with your name

13. EDIT AND PROOFREAD Fill in the details
Edit, edit, edit -- a simple mistake can cost you the interview
Use resources, like Career Services or the Writing Center on campus
Now look at examples of cover letters to see if you want to change anything
Customize for each job you apply for backing claims with evidence

14. WHERE DO I FIND JOBS? Job listings: Target companies directly
Husky Jobs
Indeed.com
Career Center News
LinkedIn
Target companies directly
Networking
Events & Career Fairs

15. WHAT IS A PERSONAL STATEMENT?
Used when applying for graduate/professional schools or scholarships
Similar purpose to cover letter/different audience
It is a writing sample describing your reasons for choosing this field, goals and accomplishments
Tells the story of “why”

16. A PERSONAL STATEMENT COMMUNICATES FIVE THINGS:
1. Writing ability - grammar, punctuation, organization, creativity, expression, etc 2. Connections between your past education / experiences and future goals. 3. Your philosophy of the field and why you are pursuing an opportunity in that area. 4. What makes you unique and how you can add to the diversity of the program 5. How you can be an asset to the organization or the school, now and in the future

17. RESEARCH YOUR SCHOOL & PROGRAM
Know the program specifics/focus
Review the faculty and their research
Attend an information session
Network and connect with admission, faculty & students
Know the application well and personal statement prompt

18. WHERE TO LEARN ABOUT GRADUATE SCHOOLS?
Your Professors & Faculty Advisors
Career Counselors
Academic Advisors
Program specific information sessions
Gradschools.com
WOIS.org (site key: ydq489)
Graduate & Professional School Resources

19. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE WWW. UWB
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE SAMPLE COVER LETTERS GUIDELINES FOR WRITING COVER LETTERS AND PERSONAL STATEMENTS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CAREER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE TO REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS
I encourage you to utilize the resources and wish you the best of luck in your applications.