Letter of Application AKA The Cover Letter What

Letter of Application AKA “The Cover Letter”

What is it? A letter sent with your résumé.

Why include a cover letter? It is expected. To explain why you want the job To request an interview To show your writing ability

3 types of cover letters 1. Response - used to respond to a posted job opening 2. Blind - when you don’t know about any job openings, but you want to introduce yourself to the company anyway 3. Request for Assistance - when you are seeking guidance from someone already doing the kind of work you are interested in.

Your cover letter should. . . Get the employer excited enough about you to read your full résumé Make them want to interview you “We cannot miss out on this hire!”

Cover Letter Tip #1 Don’t waste words. Say what you need to say and then end it.

Cover Letter Tip #2 Make sure you send it to the person making the decision. Spell their name correctly.

Cover Letter Tip #3 Begin your 1 st paragraph with a statement of what you want. “I am writing to express my interest in the position of cashier at Quik-Trip. ”

Cover Letter Tip #4 Absolutely no more than one page. Leave lots of white space on the page.

Cover Letter Tip #5 No typos Correct grammar and spelling Complete sentences No slang

Cover Letter Tip #6 Don’t exaggerate Honesty will get you farther in the long run.

Cover Letter Tip #7 Go through the letter several times. Have someone else proofread it for you.

Cover Letter Tip #8 Finish by asking for something. “May I have an appointment to discuss this position further? ” “I look forward to meeting with you in person to learn more about this opportunity. ”

The six parts of a cover letter 1. Your address and date Make sure you reader has what they need to contact you by mail and/or telephone.

The six parts of a cover letter 2. Specific address and greeting Address the letter to a specific person. This should include, “Dear Mr. /Ms. /Mrs. ”

The six parts of a cover letter 3. Purpose of letter Clearly tell the employer why you are writing the letter. Identify the position and how you learned of it.

The six parts of a cover letter 4. Description of background Describe your background in paragraph two. Mention one or two qualifications. Explain why you are interested in this position. Refer the reader to the enclosed résumé.

Description of Background

The six parts of a cover letter 5. Request an interview In paragraph three, ask for an interview. Thank the reader.

The six parts of a cover letter 6. Closing Close the letter with, “Sincerely, ” and your name. Leave about four lines empty between “sincerely” and your name so that you can sign the letter.

Addressing the envelope

Group activity - opening paragraphs After we read each example of an opening paragraph, discuss in your group why each person may or may not succeed in getting a follow-up interview. Write down your answer on your white-board.

Opening Paragraph #1

Opening Paragraph #2

Opening Paragraph #3

Opening Paragraph #4

Opening Paragraph #5

Group activity #2 - closing paragraph In groups, arrange the closing paragraphs in order, from bad, to better, to best. Tape the paper strips in order on a separate paper.

Is it best to just sit back and hope that you will get a reply, or should you be a bit pushy, and suggest that perhaps they should contact you?

Just how pushy do you think you can be? Are any of these paragraphs being too pushy?

Which letter do you think would have the best effect on the person reading it? Would this letter prompt them into replying to you fairly quickly?