March to Employment Success

1
March to Employment Success
Time to Grab your Horn and make some noise!
Topic Cover Letters
2
Application and Cover Letters

• How do I get started? What information do I
  need?
  
• What format? How long? What do I include and/or
  leave out? What order does everything go into?
  What categories do I need?
  
• Why do I need a cover letter anyway?

3
Letter of Application LOA(Cover Letter
Information)

• 3-4 paragraphs in length (MAX) stating your
  interest in the position and just a bit of an
  overview of why you are qualified for the
  position.
• Average view is 4.2 seconds for a committee to
  look at a cover letter be brief (but
  efficient)
  
• Use power words in your letter same as your
  resume

4
Letter of Application LOA(Cover Letter
Information)

• DearMr., Dr., Mrs., Ms., Professor, Committee
  Chair, Human Resources Rep, etc (what and to
  whom you address?) DO YOUR RESEARCH on the
  organization dont settle for anything less
  than a name!

The last two pages are part of a presentation
done for the Region IV Lead-On by Troy Vaughn,
the Director of Recreational Sports at Southeast
Missouri State University. The entire
presentation is available for review at
http//www4.semo.edu/recsports/TVsRIVLeadon.asp
5
Cover Letter Resources

• http//resume.monster.com/articles/cover5Fletter
  5FFAQs/
  
• This is monster.coms frequently asked questions
  area on cover letters.
  
• http//resume.monster.com/articles/letteretiquette
  /
  
• This is an overall article on the etiquette of
  cover letters. I found it interesting as a
  generic overview.
  
•  
• http//resume.monster.com/articles/lettersthatsell
  /
  
• This is a good step-by-step method of what needs
  to be included and in what format. Its a great
  place to start.
  

• http//www.quintcareers.com/covres.html
• This is the introductory link for all of the
  articles and resources available on
  quintcareers.com for cover letters. There are
  some exceptional resources including a critique
  checklist, information on the three types of
  cover letters, and many links for tips and
  success ideas.
•  
• http//www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_basics.ht
  ml
  
• This link shows the three types of cover letters
  and specifics for each.
  
• http//www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_checklist
  .html
  
• This is another method to help you review your
  cover letter to make sure it is accomplishing the
  objective.
  

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More Cover Letter Resources

•  http//www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_samples.
  html
  
• This site shows samples for different types of
  positions, different formats for the letters and
  different audiences. Might be good for those who
  need some inspiration to get started or those who
  are looking for something a little different.
•  
• http//jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php
• Another website offering suggestions and advice
  on cover letters. It gives generic information,
  but provides a list of additional resources
  including university career center websites.
•  
• http//www.smartbiz.com/article/articleview/55/1/8
  /
  
• This Smartbiz.com article gives lists of career
  cover letter blunders to avoid. Definitely worth
  a look!
  
•  
• http//www.wecc.rpi.edu/cover_letter.html
• Another good how-to example.
•  
• http//www.quintcareers.com/transferable_skills.ht
  ml
  
• This is an article reviewing the concept of
  transferable skills and
  
• how to use them in your cover letters and
  resumes.
  
•  
• If you find others, please share! Email us and
  well add it to
  
• the list!

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Review your cover letter for

• Inclusion of where you heard about the position
  and what position (including all relevant job
  numbers or classifications for the job listing)
  you are applying for. Many cover letters go to
  the Human Resources department.
• Applicability to the position applying for. Is
  it specific or is it a generic mass-produced
  letter?
  
• Inclusion of important responsibilities even if
  they were not primary duties

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Region II Resume/Cover Letter Review

• Want another professional to review your resume
  and/or cover letter?
  
• Send it to Dawn Sanner (dawn_sanner_at_ncsu.edu) to
  have it reviewed by at least two current
  recreation professionals.
  
• Emails are best, but faxes can be send to (919)
  513-0151.
  
• Resumes and cover letters can be sent anytime,
  but recommended by March 15 to stay on pace to
  prepare for the conference.

9
A big thanks goes to..

• All of the websites and organizations who are
  sharing their information on the web for all to
  be educated and informed
  
• Troy Vaughn for all of his opinions and wealth of
  information he shares without question
  
• Melanie Freeman and Linda Clauss for their great
  inspiration and leadership on the project. They
  are the definition of students serving students.