Boston University Questrom School of Business Graduate Academic & Career Development Center

Transcription

1 Boston University Questrom School of Business

2 2 Boston University Questrom School of Business

3 COVER LETTER CONTENT I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead. - Mark Twain 3 Boston University Questrom School of Business

4 PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTE your resume by highlighting how well your qualifications meet their needs; Convince the reader of your for what you do, for their organization, and for their product and/or service; and Indicate that you will clearly to their organization. Ask not what a company can do for you ask what you can do for a company. 4 Boston University Questrom School of Business

5 DECONSTRUCTING THE JOB DESCRIPTION Deconstruct the job posting: Review the day-to-day job areas where you will add. and select those Determine which are your strong suit, and how you will present them in a compelling fashion. Do not mention any of your in the cover letter but be prepared to discuss them in an interview, and how you will compensate. 5 Boston University Questrom School of Business

6 HEADER & SALUTATION HEADER The header should be identical to your resume, creating a professional stationery look to your marketing material and firmly supporting your personal brand. SALUTATION A formal salutation should be used when you have all or some of the necessary contact information. When that information is unknown, use Dear Hiring Executive. 6 Boston University Questrom School of Business

7 TRADITIONAL COVER LETTER Header identical to your resume Salutation Intent; experience or connections with the company; passion Relevant skills matched to position, key examples of accomplishments Closing SEE APPENDIX FOR SAMPLES 7 Boston University Questrom School of Business

8 TRADITIONAL COVER LETTER OPENING PARAGRAPH Quickly establish the reason for writing (job application) and the position of interest. Connections or experience with the company (CRITICAL!). names of people you have spoken with in the company products or services you use or others have told you about articles you read written by staff members speeches you heard delivered at meetings or conventions or on their YouTube channel Directly relevant experience and especially passion. 8 Boston University Questrom School of Business

9 TRADITIONAL COVER LETTER MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S) Relevant and necessary skills clearly presented. Match skills with requirements for position. Key examples of accomplishments to quantify value-added and potential for return on investment by joining the company. Lessons learned or knowledge gained from experience. 9 Boston University Questrom School of Business

10 TRADITIONAL COVER LETTER CLOSING PARAGRAPH Reiterate passion for opportunity and work. Reiterate overall qualifications. Request for follow-up to provide additional information. Reminder of preferred contact method. Thank you. 10 Boston University Questrom School of Business

11 T COVER LETTER Header identical to your resume Salutation Intent, experience or connections with the company, passion 2-Column table: Your Needs on left, My Qualifications on right Closing SEE APPENDIX FOR SAMPLES 11 Boston University Questrom School of Business

12 T COVER LETTER QUALIFICATIONS TABLE Pre-qualify your resume by showing how their needs will be met by your qualifications. Select the top 3 or 4 needs from their Requirements list that match your qualifications. Align each of their Needs with your related Qualifications. Use their language exactly (or abbreviated) as posted. Include quotation marks to indicate these are their specific requests. 12 Boston University Questrom School of Business

13 PROSPECTING LETTER Used when there are no known openings at a company of interest. The letter establishes your knowledge of the business and their challenges, and how you can add value. The intent is to create enough interest for them to follow-up for a conversation and exploration. Header identical to your resume Salutation Intent, show understanding of business needs, passion Relevant skills matched to position, key examples of accomplishments Closing SEE APPENDIX FOR SAMPLES 13 Boston University Questrom School of Business

14 PROSPECTING LETTER OPENING & MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S) Quickly establish the reason for writing (to have an informational interview), indicating interest in the company and product/services, and your current situation. Clearly communicate you understand their business and how you have the ability to contribute value to their organization. Provide examples of directly relevant skills and especially passion. Key examples of accomplishments to quantify value-added and potential for return on investment. 14 Boston University Questrom School of Business

15 Q & A 15 Boston University Questrom School of Business