WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER?

Presents your interest and qualifications to the employer Inspires employer to look at your resume It’s YOUR chance to make a good first impression

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.

CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER • • Headings Salutation/Greeting Introductory paragraph 1 st main paragraph 2 nd main paragraph Closing paragraph Complimentary Close a. ) Yours Truly/Sincerely b. ) Signature and enclosure

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 YOUR accomplishment statements from your past experiences and relate to the position & company’s goals.

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 OPENING (intro) • The position you are applying for and the position/job 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

OPENING EXAMPLE In response to the February 24 th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position.

st 1 Main Paragraph • 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 provide an example

RESEARCH THE COMPANY • • • What makes that company/organization Why are they there? Hiring trends/employment needs The company’s history Desired qualifications and skills General job information

BODY 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

BODY EXAMPLE • I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions. I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

BODY EXAMPLE continued… I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- La. Crosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals.

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 schedule your interview • Include your home phone number, cell number and/ or email address. • Thank them for their time.

EXAMPLES • I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be 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 exciting opportunity. You can contact me at 604 -5555 or by email at bbarista@anymail. com.

COMPLIMENTARY CLOSINGS • Yours Truly • Sincerely • Respectfully

EXAMPLES Yours Truly, B Barista Barbara Barista Sincerely, B Barista Barbara Barista

Dear Mrs. Pierce: In response to the February 24 th advertisement in the Bangor Daily News, I have attached my resume for the Receptionist position. I have two years of experience as a head waitress at The Frosty Mug in Holmen, WI. My work has involved greeting customers in a fast-paced setting and delivering superb customer service. I have also been responsible for managing other Frosty Mug team members, as well as reordering supplies and completing nightly closing functions. I am very detail- oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. I am currently completing my high school diploma and plan to attend UW- La. Crosse for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have gained valuable experience in several computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access during the past three years of high school. I believe my training and skills will support your organization’s future goals. I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will support your organization’s goals. I can be 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. Sincerely, Barbara Barista

Submitting Your Cover Letter & Resume • Cut & Paste text from both into online applications OR • The text of your email functions as the cover letter, then attach your resume as a Word or PDF document • Follow submission instructions stated in the job ad!

Assess this Cover Letter Dear Mr. Zuckerberg - Attached please find my resume in response to youre advertisement in the San Francisco Times for a Chief Technical Guru. I believe my sophisticated technical skills, combined with my superior communication abilities, make me an ideal candidate for a position at Facebook. I currently play video games 24/7, even when I should be studying. My reaction time surpasses that of an Army sniper. I have mastered the ability to shower and eat within 5 seconds while keeping my hands on the controller. My teachers complain that I will never amount to anything but I know that companies as forward-thinking as Facebook need individuals with my unique qualifications. I look forward to speaking with you in about this opportunity. My gamer tag is waitingtograduate 14. Sincerely,

Resume & Cover Letter Assignment • Look on my website for the job ad posting • Tailor your resume and cover letter to meet job requirements • Submit your resume & cover letter via email by 11: 59 pm on Monday, September 11 • Assignment is worth 50 points • One candidate from each class will be selected as top candidate and receive an extra 10 points