1. Writing a Persuasive Cover Letter Word Processing Cover Letters and Resumes

2. Goals of the Cover Letter To get and keep the reader’s attention To impress the employer with your experience and skills To match some of the keywords and skills from the advertisement with the skills in your resume and cover letter To show your interest in the company To show you are dependable, professional and determined

3. Seven Sections of a Good Cover Letter Your Contact Information Employer’s Contact Information Salutation Opening Paragraph Second Paragraph Third Paragraph The Closing

4. Your Contact Information Kimberly Ann Garrett 2989 Smithwood Avenue Annapolis, MD 99999 (555)555-5555kann111@aol.com March 19, 2009

5. Employer’s Contact Information Mr. Paul Jones Supervisor Smythe Corporation 1900 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20006

6. Salutation Dear Mr. Jones: Dear Ms. Smith: Dear Recruitment Manager: Dear M. Jones:

7. Opening Paragraph I read your advertisement for a Telemarketer in The Meadville Tribune on March 18, 2009. I am sending my attached resume for consideration for the Patient Services Representative position. I found the opening listed on the Meadville Medical Center Web site.

8. Referrals I am sending my resume to you because of a referral from Mike Thomas, an associate in your Erie store. I am seeking a summer internship where I can use my communication skills and work with the public. I was referred to you by Mike Thomas, who is my neighbor. He tells me that you frequently hire dependable, hard-working high school students in your telemarketing department. I was referred to you by Mike Thomas, who is a member of my church and a longtime family friend. I understand you are hiring student interns in your telemarketing department. Mike recommended that I write you and send my resume for consideration.

9. Cold Calling I learned about your organization by researching the Internet. You are also in my neighborhood. I am seeking a summer position from June-August and would like to use my communications skills and work with the public. If you are hiring students, I would appreciate being considered. I will call you to follow up.

10. Second Paragraph As my resume indicates, I am active in theater in high school and had important roles in two plays. I am also successful in debate and student government. With these experiences, I can offer you excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I maintain a 3.0 average and work 10 hours per week during the school year. Another skill I can bring to your department is my familiarity with PC’s, Windows, Word and Microsoft Office. I use the Internet regularly and can keyboard 45 words per minute.

11. Third Paragraph I would be an asset to your organization because I am energetic, reliable and cooperative. I want to be the best employee I can be. I am always on time to work. I am willing to learn new things.

12. The Closing You can reach me on my cell phone any day after 4:00 p.m. E-mail is also great. I check my e-mail daily. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration. You can reach me on my cell phone any day after 4:00 p.m. E-mail is also great. I check my e-mail daily. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Sincerely, Kimberly Ann Garrett Kimberly Ann Garrett Enclosure: Resume Enclosure: Resume