1. Cover Letters
Make yourself look good

2. What the heck is a cover letter?
A cover letter is an introduction of yourself and your resume to the potential employer.
Usually asked for and needed when sending your resume
Clarifies the position you are applying for
It should focus on how the skills and experiences you have can be utilized in the position being offered.
Grabs the employer's attention
Should answer the questions:
“Why should I give you an interview?”
“Why should I hire you”
Ask an Employer to take action

3. Purpose of a Cover letter
Gives your potential employer more information on your interest, qualifications, and availability beyond your resume specific to your the job presented
It is your first chance to make a good impression - so make sure that you are clear, concise, and straightforward with what you can do for the company and what they can do for you

4. What's in a Cover Letter Date Greeting Opening Paragraph
Middle Paragraph
Closing Paragraph
Sincerely
Signature
Contact info at the bottom of signature

5. The Introduction Indicate your reason for writing
The name of the position you are applying for
How you learned about the position
If you have some experience in the same job being offered, let them know you have it
Add some personality
But remain professional, concise, and how you would be great for the position

6. The 2nd paragraph
This should describe what you have to offer to the employer
How you are qualified for the job are are applying for
Try interpreting your resume, not repeating it
Express skills and experience that employer is looking for in a candidate
Provide some concrete examples that you are most proud of
Include evidence of your skills and qualification
How your skills and education match the job
Use keywords from the job description that match your skills and experience

7. The Conclusion
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for consideration and include information on how you will follow up
Include an action for the employer to take
“I look forward to hearing from you. My contact information is below [below your signature]”
“I would be happy to discuss or meet to provide any additional information about my resume at your earliest convenience.”

8. Included your signature
Close out your cover letter with
Sincerely
Regards
Include your signature as well
Below you signature make sure to have your contact infor.
Ex. Alexander Rincon
(323)

9. Cover Letter Writing Tips
A cover letter should be job centered and how you can succeed in the job
Not self centered
Should be 1 page max
Should not be too lengthy
Try to address to a specific person if that is made available to you
The person interviewing for the job
Research the name of the contact person or hiring manager
If a name is not available, you can just put “Dear Hiring Manager”
ALWAYS proofread and check for mistakes, grammar, punctuation, and tone
Read aloud
Have someone you trust read it and ask them for feedback
It should not be a recap word for word of what's contained in your resume
Be appropriate and formal when writing your coverletter!

10. Questions??