1. Human Services Practicum
Cover Letters
Human Services Practicum

2. What is a Cover Letter? Cover Letter
A letter of inquiry or introduction that introduces you to a prospective employer
EVERY RESUME YOU SUBMIT SHOULD HAVE A MATCHING COVER LETTER
It is your first impression
Highlights your most important qualifications
Emphasizes how those qualifications can meet the employer’s needs

3. Why Write a Cover Letter?
Essential part of the job search
Capture your future employer’s attention in a few lines
Express interest in the job
Make the reader want to know more
Show employers why and how your skills can be useful
Demonstrate your abilities

4. Three Types of Cover Letters
Application Cover Letter
Applicant responds to advertised opening
Prospecting Cover Letter
Applicant asks about possible job openings
Networking Cover Letter
Job seeker contacts member of network to request information or assistance with the job search

5. What does a cover letter look like?
Brief
4-5 paragraphs
No more than one page

6. What to include in a cover letter?
Your name, address and contact info at the top
Date
Employers Name, title and address
Salutation

7. Other Possible Layouts
Have your address formatted in the same font/style as your resume.

8. What to include in a cover letter?
The Opening
Introduce yourself and state your purpose
Mention the position you are applying for
Explain how or where you heard about it
Why are you interested in the organization
State the type of job you are seeking (or use title from the job listing)
Mention any earlier communications
Mention any networking contacts

9. Sample Opening
I am writing to express my interest in securing a __________ position with your company, in response to your job posting in the Commercial Appeal. I am currently employed as a _______________ at __________.
I am interested in joining your team at the ________________ as a ______________. I believe that my experience with _______ will strongly benefit your company.

10. What to include in a cover letter?
The Sales Pitch
Heart of your letter
What do you have to offer?
Why are you qualified for the job?
2-4 descriptions of your capabilities and accomplishments that show you can handle the job
Be truthful
Refer to the job description or something you know about the organizations activities
Demonstrates initiative and interest in company
Write 1-3 short paragraphs or use a bulleted list to highlight the qualifications you want to emphasize

11. Sample Sales Pitch
As a ____________, I come to you with a solid understanding of (job skills)
I can offer your company ….
With experiences in (previous jobs), I feel that my qualifications will match your requirements for the (list new job).
Through my previous employment, I have learned to (job skills). I recently graduated from high school with a ____ GPA and will be continuing on to college to major in ______________.

12. What to include in a cover letter?
The Closing
Ask for a meeting or an interview – NOT A JOB
Indicate how and when you will follow up
State that your resume is enclosed
Include a courteous sentence that expresses appreciation or thanks.

13. Sample Closing
My resume is enclosed for your review. I would appreciate meeting with you to discuss the possibility of our working together. I will call you on Thursday to check on your availibility, or you may reach me at I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the exceptional community outreach efforts of the Department of Disease prevention. Thank you for your consideration.

14. Cover Letter Tips Don’t duplicate the wording in your resume
Be positive – BRAG ON YOURSELF
Write clearly and concisely
Don’t use overblown or empty words to describe your abilities.
Be truthful
Emphasize your skills as a team player
Incorporate specialized terminology
Do your research on the organization/job
Read the letter aloud

15. Bad Cover Letter
Never express disinterest in current job or mention salaries.

16. Customize the Content
Every cover letter MUST be customized for the job and company you are interested in.
Have a master cover letter then add details to personalize it to match the job title, job objectives and requirements.

17. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT
Check the letter thoroughly to be sure it is typo free and information is accurate.
Writing cover letters can take time
Let someone else read your cover letter who will give you honest criticism.

18. Address the Letter Appropriately
Use Ms. For a woman.
Never address your cover letter “To Whom It May Concern”
FIND THE PERSON’S NAME
Call the target employer and get the name of person in human resources
Search the organizations website for contact information
Last resort, send cover letter and resume to Hiring Manager, Department Head or Human Resources Department.

19. Cover Letters
If you are ing your attached resume, a cover letter type message will be included in the body of the .