Cover Letters

1
Cover Letters

• Career Network Center
• Metropolitan Community College

2
What is a cover letter?

• Sales pitch to a perspective employer
• aim is to stand out to to the employer
• place to match your skills with position
• window into your personality
• answers the question why should I hire you?
• expands on the resume
• request an interview

3
Guidelines for writing a cover letter

• Always mail a cover letter with a resume
• Paper and envelope should match the resume
• Address cover letter to an individual
• Do not restate your resume
• Answer skills and qualifications asked for in the
  posting

4
Guidelines (contd)

• Use proper English
• Use action verbs
• Provide all requested information
• Be honest and factual
• Sign cover letter in blue ink (signals an
  original signature)
• Use Business letter format

5
Guidelines (contd)

• PROOF!
• PROOF!
• PROOF!

6
AVOID THE FOLLOWING

• Comparisons, abbreviations and slang
• Using I to start sentences
• Form letters (much better to personalize)
• Amusing anecdotes
• Personal photos and other personal info
• Spelling and grammar errors
• Messy corrections
• Handwriting the envelope

7
Structure

• Structure
• of the
• Cover Letter

8
Tone and Presentation

• Use a positive writing style
• Project confidence and energy
• Use a business-like, but cordial tone
• Use business letter format
• line up every line at the left margin
• double space between paragraphs

9
Heading

• Place your return address at the top of the
  letter, preferably to use the same heading as the
  resume
• Julie Delp
• 123 Lynwood Avenue
• Smith, NE 68555
• (555) 555 - 5555

10
Address and Salutation

• Address each cover letter to a specific person
  (call if you need to)
• Use title and surname to address the person, not
  their first name
• Terry Lang
• Supervisor of Communications
• XYZ Corporation
• Smith, NE 68555
• Dear Mr. Lang

11
First Paragraph

• State the position for which you are applying
• Reference where or how you heard about the
  position
• Provide a brief statement about what you can
  offer them
• Convey a genuine interest in the position

12
Second Paragraph

• Highlight and detail your qualifications
• Highlight one or two accomplishments that make
  you the ideal candidate
• Idea is to demonstrate what you can do for the
  company
• Emphasize any special skills, education, and
  training

13
Final Paragraph

• Request action
• Ask for an interview
• Suggest a time
• Let them know you will call to make an
  appointment (be sure to follow through)
• Thank them for their time

14
Signature

• Use the term Sincerely
• Sign letter, preferably in blue ink
• Sincerely,
• (4 spaces for your signature)
• Julie Delp
• Enclosure Resume