Covering LetterCovering Letter

What is a Cover Letter?What is a Cover Letter?A cover letter is a letter sent

alongside your resume to introduce yourself, explain why you are sending your resume, and provide more information about yourself.

What’s the Point of a What’s the Point of a Cover Letter?Cover Letter?

Introduce yourself◦Cover letters should carry a message

about youGet you noticed

◦Project the desired image of you or your business

Convey special informationHighlight accomplishments

Cover Letters- StylesCover Letters- Styles

Block Style◦All lines start on the left side of the margin

◦No indentations

Modified Block Style◦Uses indentations◦Each paragraph is indented, as well as the beginning information and the close

Contents of Cover Contents of Cover LetterLetter

HeadingsSalutation/GreetingOpening paragraphMiddle paragraphClosing paragraphYours Truly/SincerelySignature and enclosure

You Should Include…You Should Include…Your address and the date the letter

was writtenThe name and address of the person to

whom the letter is being sentA salutation (Dear ____:)The body of the letterA complimentary close and signatureA title of respect, such as Dr., Mr., or

Ms. A return address and zip codeCan also include reference initials,

enclosure notifications (such as your resume), copy and postscript

The Body of the Letter

First paragraph – reason for writing

Second paragraph – point out qualifications

Third paragraph – call attention to resume, reiterate interest

Your street addressYour city, state, zip code

Month, Day, Year

Mr./Ms./Dr. NameTitleName of company/organizationCompany addressCity, State, Zip code

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Paragraph 1: Answers “Why am I writing?” Identify the position and the companyIndicate how you learned about the positionRequest the employer’s considerationIntroduce basic information about yourself

Paragraph 2: Answers “Who am I, and why should you hire me?”Contain a brief summary of your personal data and work experience.Relate your skills, experiences, and qualities that would benefit you in this position

Paragraph 3: Answers “What is my next step?”Refer the reader to your enclosed resumeReiterate your interest in the positionSpecify how you will follow up

Sincerely,Your signature

Your nameTelephone numberEmail address

First paragraph – reason for writing

Secondparagraph –point outqualifications

Third paragraph – callattention to resume, reiterateinterest

Sender’s Address

Receiver’s Address

Date

Salutation

Complimentary Close

Types of Cover LetterTypes of Cover Letter

Targetting your Cover LetterTargetting 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.

Targetting your Cover Letter Targetting your Cover Letter (contd…)(contd…)

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.

HEADINGHEADING

Your Heading

Name AddressCity, Province, Postal CodePhone number Date

HEADINGHEADINGCompanies Heading

Name of EmployerTitle of EmployerName of OrganizationAddressCity, Province, Postal Code

SALUTATIONS/GREETINGSALUTATIONS/GREETINGPreferred Salutations

Dear Mr.Dear Mrs.Dear Ms.Dear Dr.Dear Sir or Madam

SALUTATIONS/GREETINGSALUTATIONS/GREETINGAlternate Salutations

Attention: Personal ManagerAttention: Name of Organization

Representative

Cover Letter- BodyCover Letter- Body

Why you are suited for the jobHow 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

Cover Letter- Body Cover Letter- Body (contd…)(contd…)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

Cover Letter-Cover Letter-Body(exampleBody(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.

Cover Letter-Cover Letter-Body(example)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.

CLOSING PARAGRAPHCLOSING 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.

COMPLEMENTARY CLOSINGCOMPLEMENTARY CLOSING

Sincerely yoursYours truly

Don’t Forget to…Don’t Forget to…Use good grammar and correct

spelling Do not use slang Be brief, but cover the subject Stick to the point of the letter Proofread! Ask for help if you need it

Helpful Hints:Helpful Hints: Be assertive – the first 20 words are the most

important Value to employer – tell your story in relation to

how you can be of value to the employer Use simple and direct language and grammar Let your letter reflect your individuality Send it to someone by name Get it right – spell recipient’s name right Be friendly, not pushy Target your letter – tell your reasons for sending

the letter, for example, desiring an interview

THANK YOU !