Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER WORKSHOP Facilitator Check

Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER WORKSHOP Facilitator Check List Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop CHECK IN • Introductions of group members • Individual and group goals for the workshop • Ice Breaker Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop ICE BREAKER!!! Cover Letter Word Search Training Games Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop OBJECTIVE • To provide the skills and tools for creating and preparing your own cover letter. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop AGENDA • • What is a cover letter? What is the purpose of a cover letter. Contents of a cover letter? Why researching the company is so important. • Customizing your cover letter. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop WHAT IS A COVER LETTER? Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop A cover letter is a formal introduction to your resume and accompanies it when applying for a job. Cover Letter Worksheet Cover Letter Checklist Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Workshop WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER? Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop Presents your interest, qualifications, and availability to the employer Its YOUR chance to make a good first impression Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop ACTIVITY BREAK Do’s and Don’ts Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop A good cover letter will prompt an employer to look at your credentials. i. e. , your resume A bad cover letter or no cover letter is enough to cause an employer to move on to the next applicant. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop TYPES OF COVER LETTERS Letter of Application Cover Letter Inquiry Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources T-Zone Cover Letter

Cover Letter Workshop CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER • • Headings Salutation/Greeting Opening paragraph Middle paragraph Closing paragraph Yours Truly/Sincerely Signature and enclosure Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER • Tell the employer why you would be valuable to the company, how you can deliver results. • Back up your skills with accomplishment statements relating to the position and company’s goals from your past experiences. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER • Address the letter to a specific reader • Include your objective, accomplishments, and your interest in the position. This shows you took the time to read and learn about the position. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop ACTIVITY BREAK Cover Letter Building Cards Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop HEADINGS • • • Your Heading Name Address City, Province, Postal Code Phone number Date • • • Companies Heading Name of Employer Title of Employer Name of Organization Address City, Province, Postal Code Cover Letter Examples of Branding Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop SALUTATIONS/GREETING Preferred Salutations • Dear Mrs. • Dear Ms. • Dear Dr. • Dear Sir or Madam Alternate Salutations • Attention: Personal Manager • Attention: Name of Organization Representative Do not use “To Whom It May Concern” Cover Letter Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER OPENING • The position you are applying for and the competition number if given • Where you saw the posting. Include name and date of publication • If you were referred for the position, give the name of that person • Express your interest for the position Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop OPENING EXAMPLE • Please accept my resume in response to the posting for the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a long time customer of ABC Company and knowing your products and services are ones I can proudly stand behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your team. As you will see my experience and qualifications are a perfect fit for the position. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop OPENING EXAMPLE • Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly that my experience and qualifications would be an excellent fit for your organization. Cover Letter Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER BODY • Why you are suited for the job • How your skills and qualifications match the specific job requirements listed in the add • Include related experience, training, and attributes • Try to list at least 2 examples Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop RESEARCH THE COMPANY • • • What makes that company/organization Why are they there? Hiring trends/employment needs The companies history Desired qualifications and skills General job information http: //www. google. com Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop BODY CONTINUE TELL THE READER: What makes you well suited to the job or company • How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission, vision and values of the organization. • Talk about why you are the right type of person for this job/team or company • Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their employee puzzle. • Focus on the EMPLOYER Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop BODY EXAMPLE • I am confident that my experience along with my educational background and commitment to professional excellence will enable me to serve both you and your clients/customers well. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop BODY EXAMPLE • I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys interacting with others. I take pride in building strong customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position. Cover Letter Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop CLOSING PARAGRAPH • Restate your interest in the position and mention how you will be an asset to the company • State your interest in meeting with the employer for an interview to discuss your skills and passion in person • List your contact information and when you can be reached to book your interview • Include your home phone number, cell number and or email address. • Include an action/next step informing the employer you will be in contact with them. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop EXAMPLES • I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can b e reached at 604 -5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail. com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. • I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 604 -5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail. com. Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop CLOSING PARAGRAPHS I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 604 -5555555 or by email at bbarista@anymail. com I look forward to hearing from you soon and having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the position Best Better OK I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can be reached at 604555 -5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail. com. I will follow up with a phone call next week to discuss things further. Cover Letter Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop COMMPLEMTARY CLOSINGS • Yours Truly • Sincerely • Respectfully Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop EXAMPLES Yours Truly, Sincerely, B Barista Barbara Barista Enclosure: Resume Cover Letter Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop FINAL THOUGHTS • Know and understand what the employer is looking for in their applicants • Research the company, visit there website, know there mission statement • Speak to current employees, if possible Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop Any Questions? ? ? Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop CHECK OUT • Closing Activity • Feedback Forms • Resource Packages THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter Workshop Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources