Cover Letters. Keys To A Good Cover Letter. Introduction

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1 1 Cover Letters Introduction Always include a cover letter when mailing your résumé. It may act as the basis for a college essay or it may be a useful addition to an application packet. Your cover letter is a potential employer s first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the application packet. A well-written letter entices the employer to read your résumé. A poorly constructed cover letter may doom your résumé to the No Need to Read pile. The same can be said for a college or scholarship application that includes an introductory letter. It is important to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience. These will indicate what you can contribute to the company or school. Effective cover letters must convey a sense of purpose and project enthusiasm. Researching the employer, college, or scholarship prior to writing the cover letter will give you the opportunity to effectively personalize your letter. Keys To A Good Cover Letter Use a proper business format for your letters. Utilize a one-inch margin on all 4 sides. This white space draws the reader to the body of the letter. Three to four paragraphs and one (1) page maximum. Address the letter to a specific person, not to To Whom It May Concern. Make sure their title is correct. Spell their name correctly with the proper abbreviation, e.g. Mr., Ms., or Mrs. Have some knowledge about the company. Demonstrate this level of professionalism! Refer to the particular position you are applying for. Make certain they have every way to get in touch with you (address, phone, ). Create an appropriate address you use for business that you check every day. Make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. This is the quickest way to have your résumé filed in the garbage. Print on résumé paper, cream or off-white. Sign the letter in ink. In the opening paragraph, tell the reader the purpose of the letter. Use I statements and action verbs when describing your experience. Focus on the specific skills and interests you possess that you can offer the employer or college. Concentrate on skills that match the advertised employment qualifications or the desired program of study. Stress what you can do for the company or college, not what the company or college can do for you. Sound upbeat and confident. Sell yourself! Don t mention salary expectations unless the advertisement specifically requests it. End by thanking the reader and stating that you look forward to meeting with them. Make a specific suggestion for the next step of the process and follow up as promised.

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3 3 Cover letter worksheet Note: refer to the résumé packet for action words to use in your cover letter. Process Core skills Fill in the table below as follows: 1. List everything the job ad requires on the left. 2. List how you meet the requirements on the right. Include when and where you met this requirement. Core skills are the skills the employer needs you to have. These types of skills usually come from education and experience. Examples of core skills include to write reports to inspect a boiler to design using AutoCad to calibrate pumps and compressors Their need How you meet that need

4 4 Soft skills Soft skills are the skills the employer hopes you have or can get. They are harder to define or measure. These types of skills may come from education and experience, but it is more likely they come from your personality, or your traits. An example of some of these skills may include excellent oral and written communication skills ability to work with others good team player, motivator driver s license ability to travel/work overtime/relocate self-starter Their need How you meet that need Treat these skills with attention and respect. A lot of research is being done in the field of emotional intelligence, or EQ. Research has found that the ability to control your emotions and work well with others is a sign that you are employable and promotable.

5 5 Name: Brainstorming for a Cover Letter Paragraph 1 Please accept this résumé as application for 1. What position are you applying for with what company? (what do you want to do there?) 2. Where did you hear about the job? Paragraph 2 1. Why am I interested in this job? 2. What skills do I have that could benefit this position? 3. What experience do I have to benefit this position? 4. What are my future goals/plans in this area? 5. What other skills do I have that could be beneficial (Hard worker, willing to learn, dependable) Paragraph 3 I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. I am available for an interview at you earliest convenience Please view the enclosed résumé and contact me at you earliest convenience

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