Career Services Workshop Series Crafting an Effective Cover

Career Services Workshop Series: Crafting an Effective Cover Letter

Career Development Resume and Cover Letter Creation Career Exploration and Skills Assessment Negotiation and Job Preparation Value Proposition Development Career Search Competencies Resume and Cover Letter Creation Interview Skills Applications and Search Process Management Networking § Develop a resume with impact § Create a cover letter that further connects your skills, strengths, and experience to what employers need

Document Creation Getting Started What do you hope to accomplish through the document? Consider who your audience is- what do they value, and what do they need? Purpose Audience A persuasive document should have… Context Consider the situation for which the document is being created. Stakeholder(s) Who does your document impact?

Document Creation Purpose Cover Letter Purpose Audience • To demonstrate your written abilities and how well you can organize your thoughts in a cohesive manner • To connect the dots between your skills and experience, and the employers’ needs • To explain any gaps in employment or other issues the resume cannot Context Stakeholder(s) • To get an interview!

Document Creation Audience Purpose Cover Letter • Audience Context Stakeholder(s) Company/Organization • Mission • Values • Key initiatives / products • Current news • Human Resources Department • External Recruiters • Networking Connection

Document Creation Context Purpose Cover Letter • Audience • Context Stakeholder(s) Company/Organization • Government vs. Private • Profit vs. Non-profit Industry Specific

Document Creation Stakeholder(s) Purpose Cover Letter • Audience Context Stakeholder(s) Your document is a reflection of: • You! • Universities you have attended • Previous employers • Your classmates

Document Creation Language Tools and Resources Career Resources Value Proposition • - O*Net - Occupational Outlook Handbook • - Vault Guides - Strengths - Skills - Experience Strengt hs Skills Experie nce Identify Industry Specific Job Descriptions - Keywords from job descriptions - Company values, mission statements Your Coursework at Carey - Syllabus - Textbooks - Insights from professors and classmates Why should a company invest in you as an employee or intern? How will you add more value than your competitio n for the position? Answer Your Personal Value Proposition Formulate

Document Creation Language Tools and Resources Exploration Tools Occupational Outlook Handbook What They Do How to Become One Employment Trends Pay Assessment Instruments Occupational Information

Document Creation Language Tools and Resources A web-based application that provides user-friendly access to O*NET occupational information, you can: O*NET Content Model • Find occupations to explore • Search for occupations that use your skills; look at related occupations • View Summary Reports, including the most important characteristics of the worker and requirements of the work • Use crosswalks to find corresponding occupations in other classification systems • Connect to other online career information resources

Document Creation Language Tools and Resources The Vault Guides • Company Rankings • In-depth Career Guides by Industry, A-Z • Job and Internship Listings • “Day in the Life Of” Information • Resume and Cover Letter Tips by Industry Access The Vault for FREE through Carey Compass!

Document Creation Personal Value Proposition Strengths Skills Experience Identify Why should a company invest in you as an employee or intern? How will you add more value than your competition for the position? Answer Your Personal Value Proposition Formulate “Your personal value proposition is at the heart of your career strategy. It's the foundation for everything in a job search and career progression — targeting potential employers, attracting the help of others, and explaining why you're the one to pick. It's why to hire you, not someone else. ”Harvard Business Review Blog, 2011

Document Creation Consulting Job Description Responsibilities: • Managing engagements from start to finish, including team oversight and preparation of documents for client presentations • Analyzing research and client-provided information to develop conclusions and recommendations • Writing client-ready presentation and delivering powerful, effective business presentations • Conducting client interviews and research • Facilitating client working sessions and process design workshops • Serving as key point of contact between team, senior officers of the firm, and clients • Responsible for professional development of team members Consulting Industry Job Description Experience & Skills Required: • 3 -5 years of consulting experience at a management consulting firm or in a similar project management role • Business research and analysis experience, with demonstrated ability to synthesize data and draw accurate, logical conclusions • Experience working with senior business leaders • High level of self-motivation and energy, including ability to work with limited supervision • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills • Confidence, maturity and poise, as well as positive, “can do” attitude • Comfort working with and leading groups, as well as sensitivity to individual, group and organizational dynamics • Creative, “big picture” thinking while maintaining keen attention to detail • Exceptional communication (verbal and written) skills • Ability to meet deadlines • Strong computer skills (Excel, Power. Point, Word)

Document Creation Consulting Job Description Responsibilities: • Managing engagements from start to finish, including team oversight and preparation of documents for client presentations • Analyzing research and client-provided information to develop conclusions and recommendations • Writing client-ready presentation and delivering powerful, effective business presentations • Conducting client interviews and research • Facilitating client working sessions and process design workshops • Serving as key point of contact between team, senior officers of the firm, and clients • Responsible for professional development of team members Experience & Skills Required: • 3 -5 years of consulting experience at a management consulting firm or in a similar project management role • Business research and analysis experience, with demonstrated ability to synthesize data and draw accurate, logical conclusions • Experience working with senior business leaders • High level of self-motivation and energy, including ability to work with limited supervision • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills • Confidence, maturity and poise, as well as positive, “can do” attitude • Comfort working with and leading groups, as well as sensitivity to individual, group and organizational dynamics • Creative, “big picture” thinking while maintaining keen attention to detail • Exceptional communication (verbal and written) skills • Ability to meet deadlines • Strong computer skills (Excel, Power. Point, Word)

Document Creation Finance Job Description

Document Creation T-Analysis Job Qualifications Your Experience Construct financial plans Analyze trends and risks Conduct Investment Research Attention to detail Organizational skills Time management Presentation creation skills Cover letters should speak directly to the job description

Document Creation Business Letter Format Include: • • • Your address The date Company address 1” margins Same font as resume Varied sentence structure • Watch for “I this, I that…” • 3 -4 professional paragraphs

Document Creation Introductory Paragraph Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing in regard to the International Summer Intern position in Cape Town. Currently, I am a graduate student in the Master of Finance program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and I completed my undergraduate degree at Colgate University with a focus on International Relations and minor in Economics. I recently heard of this opportunity through the Career Services office at Carey Business School. After completing my undergraduate education, I worked for three years at The Hartford as a group benefits representative. Although the insurance industry was a dramatic departure from my academic interest, the experience provided unique challenges and allowed me to develop several professional skills. As a benefits representative, I became a better listener, greatly refined my presentation skills, and developed the flexibility to adjust to fluctuating client demands while adhering to firm deadlines. I feel these professional skills will translate into my role as a consultant, and allow me to contribute quickly to project teams. Introductory Paragraph: • Who are you? • Why are you writing this letter? I made the decision to leave the Hartford and pursue an MBA because I was seeking a career in line with my core interest, international • How did you find out about the position? development. As a sophomore at Colgate, I worked as a merchant marine in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and immediately knew I wanted to work in Africa again. As a junior, I worked in The Republic of Georgia at the United Nations Association of Georgia, doing secondary research on agricultural development and providing support for their publications. This January, I led a project team on a consulting assignment for a private clinic in Rwanda that resulted in an improved medical records system and increased operational efficiency. I highlight these experiences because each one has improved my ability to function at a high level in international environments. In conjunction with my sincere affinity towards Africa and my willingness to relocate to Africa following my graduation, I believe I can be an immediate asset to a project team and potentially a long-term asset at Kaiser Associates. I have attached my resume for your review and please feel free to e-mail or call me with any questions you may have. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Bradley A. V. Walters

Document Creation Summary and Fit Paragraphs Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing in regard to the International Summer Intern position in Cape Town. Currently, I current graduate student in the Master of Finance program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and I completed my undergraduate degree at Colgate University with a focus on International Relations and minor in Economics. I recently heard of this opportunity through the Career Services office at Carey Business School. After completing my undergraduate education, I worked for three years at The Hartford as a group benefits representative. Although the insurance industry was a dramatic departure from my academic interest, the experience provided unique challenges and allowed me to develop several professional skills. As a benefits representative, I became a better listener, greatly refined my presentation skills, and developed the flexibility to adjust to fluctuating client demands while adhering to firm deadlines. I feel these professional skills will translate into my role as a consultant, and allow me to contribute quickly to project teams. I made the decision to leave the Hartford and pursue an MBA because I was seeking a career in line with my core interest, international development. As a sophomore at Colgate, I worked as a merchant marine in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and immediately knew I wanted to work in Africa again. As a junior, I worked in The Republic of Georgia at the United Nations Association of Georgia, doing secondary research on agricultural development and providing support for their publications. This January, I led a project team on a consulting assignment for a private clinic in Rwanda that resulted in an improved medical records system and increased operational efficiency. I highlight these experiences because each one has improved my ability to function at a high level in international environments. In conjunction with my sincere affinity towards Africa and my willingness to relocate to Africa following my graduation, I believe I can be an immediate asset to a project team and potentially a long-term asset at Kaiser Associates. • • Summary of your Experience and Fit: Summarize your professional background. Describe specific examples of skills related to the position. Indicate your specific interest in and value add to the company. Address any gaps in your experience. I have attached my resume for your review and please feel free to e-mail or call me with any questions you may have. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Bradley A. V. Walters

Document Creation Summary and Fit Paragraphs Dear Hiring Manager: Summary of your Experience and Fit: • Summarize your professional background. • Describe specific examples of skills related to the position. • After Indicate specific interest value add to the company. completing myyour undergraduate education, I workedin forand three years at The Hartford as a group benefits representative. Although the insurance industry was a dramatic departure from my academic interest, the experience provided unique challenges and allowed me to • develop Address any gaps in your experience. several professional skills. As a benefits representative, I became a better listener, greatly refined my presentation skills, and I am writing in regard to the International Summer Intern position in Cape Town. Currently, I current graduate student in the Master of Finance program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and I completed my undergraduate degree at Colgate University with a focus on International Relations and minor in Economics. I recently heard of this opportunity through the Career Services office at Carey Business School. developed the flexibility to adjust to fluctuating client demands while adhering to firm deadlines. I feel these professional skills will translate into my role as a consultant, and allow me to contribute quickly to project teams. I made the decision to leave the Hartford and pursue an MBA because I was seeking a career in line with my core interest, international development. As a sophomore at Colgate, I worked as a merchant marine in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and immediately knew I wanted to work in Africa again. As a junior, I worked in The Republic of Georgia at the United Nations Association of Georgia, doing secondary research on agricultural development and providing support for their publications. This January, I led a project team on a consulting assignment for a private clinic in Rwanda that resulted in an improved medical records system and increased operational efficiency. I highlight these experiences because each one has improved my ability to function at a high level in international environments. In conjunction with my sincere affinity towards Africa and my willingness to relocate to Africa following my graduation, I believe I can be an immediate asset to a project team and potentially a long-term asset at Kaiser Associates. I have attached my resume for your review and please feel free to e-mail or call me with any questions you may have. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely, Bradley A. V. Walters

Anatomy a Cover Letter Documentof. Creation Closing Paragraph • Paragraph 4: Closing Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing in regard to the International Summer Intern position in Cape Town. Currently, I am a member of the inaugural Global MBA program at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and I completed my undergraduate degree at Colgate University with a focus on International Relations and minor in Economics. After completing my undergraduate education, I worked for three years at The Hartford as a group benefits representative. Although the insurance industry was a dramatic departure from my academic interest, the experience provided unique challenges and allowed me to develop several professional skills. As a benefits representative, I became a better listener, greatly refined my presentation skills, and developed the flexibility to adjust to fluctuating client demands while adhering to firm deadlines. I feel these professional skills will translate into my role as a consultant, and allow me to contribute quickly to project teams. Closing: I made the decision to leave the Hartford and pursue an MBA because I was seeking a career in line with my core interest, international development. As a sophomore at Colgate, I worked as a merchant marine in Sierra Leone and Ghana, and immediately knew I wanted to work in Africa again. As a junior, I worked in The Republic of Georgia at the United Nations Association of Georgia, doing secondary research on agricultural development and providing support for their publications. This January, I led a project team on a consulting assignment for a private clinic in Rwanda that resulted in an improved medical records system and increased operational efficiency. I highlight these experiences because each one has improved my ability to function at a high level in international environments. In conjunction with my sincere affinity towards Africa and my willingness to relocate to Africa following my graduation, I believe I can be an immediate asset to a project team and potentially a long-term asset at Kaiser Associates. • Indicate interest in the next step • Share your contact information • Thank them for their consideration I have attached my resume for your review. Please e-mail or call me with any questions you may have. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Bradley A. V. Walters 4 Spaces

Document Creation Example Summary & Fit Sentences “While at Deloitte in Beijing, I gained excellent skills in Power. Point by developing three presentations on tax laws within the manufacturing industry to be delivered to clients. ” “My internship at Bank of America last summer helped me to develop my customer service skills as I initiated over 50 new client accounts. ” “In conjunction with my sincere affinity towards Africa and my willingness to relocate to Africa following my graduation, I believe I can be an immediate asset to a project team and potentially a long-term asset at Kaiser Associates. ” Tell the employer why they should hire you!

Finishing Touches Proofread, Proofread • Utilize the Writing Center http: //carey. jhu. edu/students/studentresources/academic-support/writing-center • Send it to yourself via email • Have a peer conduct a 30 -second scan Printing • Take paper copies to the interview • Print on resume paper with high quality printer

Digital Outreach Attachment • Send in PDF format with appropriate title • Example: Last Name_First Name_Cover. Letter. pdf Body of Email Dear Ms. Jones: Please see the attached resume and cover letter for consideration for ABC Position with XYZ Company. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Name

Outreach Letters Linked. In or Email Greet them Introduce yourself, including your current status Indicate how you found them Mention what you hope to learn from them • Their career trajectory • The culture of their company • Industry insights • Their advice for a young candidate Thank them

Communication with Our Office Twitter: JHUCarey. Career carey-jhu-csm. symplicity. com/students/ Facebook: Carey Compass houses: • • Calendar of events • Workshops • Webinars Appointment scheduling Internship and job postings Job search resources Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Career Services

Questions? We look forward to working with you! Phone: 410. 234. 9270 E-mail: carey. careerservices@jhu. edu