ROAD S UCCESS

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ROAD SUCCESS
COVER LETTER TIPS

THE
TO

• begins with YOUR cover letter.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• 123 Happy Avenue
• Grand Forks, ND 58201
• (2 spaces)
• December 12, 1993 (dont abbreviate)
• (2-4 spaces depending on the length of the
  letter)
• Ms. Sally Somebody
• Director of Human Resources
• Finders Corporation
• 444 Tulane Street
• Fargo, ND 58501
• (2 spaces)
• Dear Ms. Somebody (Never by first name and
  only
• (1 space) Sir /
  Madam if absolutely necessary)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• 1st paragraph. There are 2 items to be mentioned
  in this paragraph.
• 1.)the reason for the letter, such as, that you
  are applying for (or) seeking a sales manager
  position.
• 2.) Close this paragraph by telling the employer
  where you heard about their business or the
  positions you are inquiring about. State the name
  of the publication, employment agency, or
  networking contact, this will give the employer a
  reference point about the contact. (Note 3
  sentences 1 paragraph)
• (1 space between paragraphs)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• SAMPLE IA
• I am writing today to express interest in working
  for your company. I am currently a Junior at the
  University of North Dakota, majoring in
  Communications and am looking for an internship
  or a co-op position for the summer term. In
  researching your company, I feel that I could be
  an asset to your team. I would like to gain
  experience in the Advertising/Marketing field and
  believe that your company is exactly what I am
  looking for.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IB
• John Allen of your firm informed me of an
  opportunity within your company as a
  Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. I also
  found a more detailed job description on
  Monster.com. Please consider this letter as my
  application for that position.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• 2nd paragraph.
  This paragraph gives the reader an
• 1.) indication of your interest in the position
• 2.) and why you chose their company
• . (Note 3 sentences 1 paragraph)
• (1 space between paragraphs)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IIA
• Growing up on a family farm, I have come to
  understand how important insurance is to the
  farmer and their family. I also understand that
  ABC Company is a business that was founded to
  protect farmers and ranchers from the natural
  disasters they faced in their business, and I am
  very interested and excited to join ABC Company
  so that I can learn more about helping people
  protect their families and their businesses.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IIB
• I will be residing in Minneapolis this summer and
  would like to gain experience that may be
  mutually beneficial following graduation. I am
  interested in working for your company because I
  believe that yours is a strong organization that
  merits the quality work ethic and values that I
  to strive to achieve and live by.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• SAMPLE IIC
• I was particularly attracted to your organization
  because of the wide diversity of projects it is
  involved in. Working in the areas of retail,
  hospitality and entertainment is what I have
  always wanted to do and those are areas that your
  organization specializes in. I am also
  especially interested in your international
  perspective because my concentration in the MBA
  program is International Business and because I
  have studied abroad. I find the number of
  offices you have exceptionally appealing because
  of the various layers of management necessary to
  make this corporation run successfully. This
  fits with my ultimate goal of being part of a
  management team in an international business. I
  believe that my education along with my
  internship experience as ___________ will enable
  me to assist your organization on many levels.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• 3rd paragraph
• 3.) why the company should consider YOU for an
  interview.
• Tell the reader about your relevant work
  experience (paid or unpaid) as well as your
  educational strengths. Tell the reader only the
  most important skills you have, especially those
  that relate to the position you are seeking. if
  you are a graduate with little work experience,
  explain how your education has prepared you for
  the position, but be specific
• (Note 3 sentences 1 paragraph)
• (1 space between paragraphs)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IIIA
• As you can see on my resume, I possess the
  qualifications to join your team in a number of
  different positions. I am a proven leader who
  believes that accountability and integrity are
  essential in today's workforce. As President of
  a Greek Fraternity chapter that ranks in the top
  10 in the country, I have traveled the country
  and given presentations to hundreds of people. I
  possess the communication and teamwork skills to
  work with anyone to conquer a task. With hard
  work and dedication, we can work together to help
  your company continue to strive for excellence
  and succeed to our fullest potential.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• SAMPLE IIIB
• I believe that I am well qualified to fill this
  position because of both my education and
  experience. I will graduate from the University
  of North Dakota (UND) in May 2002 with a Bachelor
  of Business Administration degree in Marketing.
  Through my current position at PRACS Institute, I
  have gained an immense interest in pharmaceutical
  products and the developments within the
  pharmaceutical industry. I have a worked
  several part-time and temporary positions while
  earning my way through college. Most of those
  positions have been sales related or customer
  service oriented and some have entailed
  management responsibilities. Please see my
  enclosed resume for further details. Through
  these experiences, I have had the opportunity to
  learn the importance of building relationships
  with your customers and the effective use of good
  communication tools in making a sale as well as
  in building a business.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IIIC
• The opportunity of working for a company that has
  positive future goals is something that I value
  greatly. I know that my educational coursework
  and prior work experience has prepared me to step
  in and contribute immediately. Currently, I am a
  junior at the University of North Dakota and I am
  pursuing a B.B.A. majoring in Management. As an
  assistant manager of my familys farm, I have
  learned valuable leadership skills that can not
  be overlooked. My past experience with XYZ
  Company has taught me how to perform a high level
  of customer service while working under demanding
  management. As an intern, I will leverage what I
  have learned in the classroom and will learn
  through your training program to uphold the
  reputation of ABC Company.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Final paragraph. The closing paragraph should
• 1.) refer the reader to any attachments, such as
  your resume.
• This paragraph can also be used to make the
  reader aware of any college credential files you
  have. You can mention if the credential file is
  being sent under a separate cover, or that your
  credential file is available upon request, if
  desired. Tell the reader what is in your
  credential file, such as, data form, transcripts,
  reference letters, teaching evaluations, etc.
• 2.) ask for an interview and include your
  telephone number (so the employer can contact
  you).
• 3.) offer to assist if additional information is
  needed
• 4.) contain questions about the application
  process, how to get additional information, the
  fact that you will be following up the letter
  with a phone call, that you have an answering
  machine and will return calls promptly, or dates
  and times you will be available for interviews.
• 5.) A closing sentence that shows appreciation
  for their time. Note 3 sentences 1
  paragraph)
• (2 spaces after final paragraph and before
  closing)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IVA
• Please refer to my resume for a detailed account
  of my education and work experience. I look
  forward to visiting with you about this
  (Co-op/Intern) position, and respectfully request
  the opportunity to interview with you and the ABC
  Company. If you require additional information
  or would like to set up an interview, I can be
  reached by phone at [phone] or by e-mail
  at john.doe_at_und.nodak.edu. I look forward to
  hearing from you soon. Thank you for your time
  and consideration.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sample IVB
• I have enclosed my resume for your review. I
  would welcome the opportunity to talk or meet
  with you to discuss further the position and my
  qualifications or to provide you with any
  additional information you might require. I will
  be relocating to your area upon my graduation
  from UND in May of 2002. Prior to that, I may be
  reached by phone at [phone] or by e-mail
  at jane.doe_at_und.nodak.edu. I look forward to
  hearing from you soon. Thank you, for
  considering my application.

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Sincerely, -or- Sincerely yours,
• Respectfully, or Respectfully yours,
• (4 spaces - allow room for your signature)
• Mark Anybody (Type your signature)
• Enc. or Enc.(s) (enclosure(s) is optional)
• (Note The body of the letter should be
  centered on the page.)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• DONT (i.e. Do NOT)
• Use abbreviations in your addresses (except for
  states)
• Be sloppy about formatting
• Leave any spelling or grammatical errors
• Use different colors of paper for cover letter
  and resume
• Repeat what is already on your resume (refer to
  resume for details)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Do Not
• Use a first name in a business salutation
• Buy or create perfumed paper
• Use background images
• Use the stationery of your current employer
• Handwrite your letter
• Send a photocopied letter with only an address
  change
• (i.e. Mass mailing)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• DOS
• Include all your contact information in the
  letter and on the envelope (The more influential
  the person the better!)
• Determine the appropriate contact person Center
  your letter on the page
• Use the same font for resume and cover letter
• Use quality 8 ½ by 11 paper (20 weight)
• Choose a conservative color white, off white,
  gray, beige, pale blue
• Use matching stationery envelopes (folded) or a
  9 X 12 manila envelope (flat)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• DOS
• Use a Word Processing program and a letter
  quality printer
• Type your label or envelope (Neat handwriting is
  acceptable.)
• Give an overview of your capabilities and show
  why you are a good candidate for the job
• Assume that the lowest person on the totem pole
  will do the prescreening.
• Write your cover letter/resume to include all of
  the essential components of the ad that pertain
  to you.
• Make your qualifications clear so that the reader
  wont have to read between the lines. (Dont
  assume they know what you mean.)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Finally, write your cover letter in your own
  words. Let your personality, your passion and
  your enthusiasm for the position and the company
  shine through! (Then
  have someone else proofread it for you!)

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Part I Diagram the ad.
• The Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center seeks
  a Professional Exhibits Education Director
  to
• develop, implement, and maintain an active
  interpretive program, including permanent and
  traveling exhibits, educational services, and
  public programming.
• Responsibilities
• Develop annual and long range interpretive plans
  and operating budgets.
• Procure, design, curate, install an annual
  series of traveling exhibits.
• Implement an active interpretive program,
  including
• coordination of public speakers, performers,
  educators to enhance exhibits.
• Research, write, and budget grant requests for
  exhibit and program support.
• Write design promotional materials for new
  exhibits and programs plus
• coordinate quarterly newsletter.
• Maintain organized records on exhibit contracts,
  insurance reports, grant applications.
• Work with community advisors to plan new
  exhibits and programs.
• Qualifications Applicant should have a BA or MA
  in Communications, Graphic Design Education, or
  related discipline. Position requires
• strong verbal and written skills, plus
• knowledge of effective dissemination display
  methods that inform and entertain the public via
  multiple media.
• Successful candidate will show leadership ability
  to
• coordinate people resources,
• understanding of exhibit design,

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COVER LETTER TIPS

• Part II Highlight and identify essential
  components
• develop, implement, and maintain program,
  exhibits, educational services, and public
  programming
• Develop plans and operating budgets.
• Procure, design, curate, install exhibits.
• Implement program,
• coordination (of events/performers) to enhance
  exhibits.
• Research, write, and budget grant requests for
  support.
• Write design promotional materials
• coordinate newsletter.
• Maintain organized records
• Work with community advisors to plan
• BA or MA
• strong verbal and written skills, plus
• knowledge of effective dissemination display
  methods that inform and entertain
• via multiple media.
• ... show leadership ability to coordinate people
  resources,
• understanding of exhibit design, creating
  displays

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COVER LETTER TIPS
Part III Synthesize the ad.

• Develop, implement, and maintain
• program, exhibits, educational services, public
  programming, plans and operating budgets,
  organized records, Work with community advisors
  to plan, coordinate people, resources and events
• Research, write, design budget
• grant requests for support, promotional
  materials, coordinate newsletter, create
  displays
• Necessary skills abilities
• BA or MA, Strong verbal and written skills,
  demonstrated leadership ability, proficient in MS
  applications (Word, Publisher, Excel)
• Optional skills abilities
• Background in promotion, marketing or history,
  knowledge of materials, methods tools for
  exhibit construction, familiarity with multiple
  media methods,