The ApplicationCover Letter A Message About YOU

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The Application/Cover Letter A Message About
YOU!

• Liberal Arts Sciences
• Career Services
• 351 Catt Hall
• Iowa State University
• Ames, Iowa

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Types of Correspondence

• Application Letter
• Prospecting Letter
• Post Interview Thank You Letter
• Apology Letter
• Delay Letter
• Acceptance Letter
• Decline of Offer Letter

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Purpose of the Cover Letter

• Entice employer to look at your resume.
• Opportunity for an employer to evaluate your
  writing skills.
• Gives an employer a first impression of you as a
  professional and prospective employee.
• To obtain an interview.
• To expand upon your strongest assets.

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Components of the Cover Letter

• Heading
• Introductory Address
• Salutation
• Paragraphs1. Entice Reader2. Your Skills3.
  Next Steps
• Salutation
• Enclosures

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Application Letter Basics

• Your Address
• City, State, Zip
• Current Date
• (4 spaces . . . 2 spaces if the letter is a
  full page)
• Individuals Name
• Title
• Name of Organization
• Address
• City, State, Zip
• (1 space )
• Dear Ms. or Mr. __________
• (1 space between paragraphs)

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• Application letter basics
• First Paragraph
• 1.) State why you are writing.
• 2.) The position or type of work for which you
  are applying.
• 3.) How you learned of the opening.
• Second Paragraph
• 1.) Express why you are interested in the
  position.
• 2.) Why this organization and/or
  product/services.
• 3.) If you possess experience or course-work
  directly related to the position.
• 4.) Tell the reader what you can bring to the
  organization in relation to both specific and
  soft skills.
• Third Paragraph
• 1.) Refer the reader to the enclosed resume (and
  other enclosures).
• 2.) Request an interview and that you are
  available at their convenience.
• 3.) Give your phone number and email.

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• Sincerely,
• (4 spaces for signature use black ink)
• Your Name
• (1 space)
• Enclosure
• (Enclosure is used when enclosing a resume or
  additional information)

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Purpose of the Prospecting Letter

• The purpose of the letter is to prospect for job
  openings in your field, to get your resume read
  and to get the interview.
• Prospecting letters are used for either long
  distance searches and/or promoting your
  availability to a certain segment of the
  employers in your career areas of interest.
• Structure this letter similarly to the
  application/cover letter, but instead of using
  information about a specific position, focus on
  broader occupational and/or organizational
  dimensions to describe how your qualifications
  match the work environment.

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Prospecting Letter

• Your Address
• City, State, Zip
• Current Date
• (4 spaces . . . 2 spaces if the letter is a
  full page)
• Individuals Name
• Title
• Name of Organization
• Address
• City, State, Zip
• (1 space )
• Dear Ms. or Mr. __________
• (1 space between paragraphs )

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Prospecting letter basics

• First Paragraph
• 1.) Indicate your interest in the company or
  organization.
• 2.) Describe the area of interest within that
  organization and career field you would like to
  work.
• Second Paragraph
• 1.) Outline your strongest qualifications
  focusing on those qualifications which
• may match the work environment
• (i.e. work experiences, internship/co-op, course
  work)
• 2.) Do some personal marketing Convince the
  employer that you have the skills
• and motivation to contribute to the
  organization.
• 3.) Tell them what you can do for them, not what
  you expect from them.

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Basics (Continued)

• Third Paragraph
• 1.) Suggest an action plan Request an interview
  and indicate that you are available at their
  convenience.
• 2.) If you will be in the area of the company
  over break or for a long weekend suggest the
  possibility of meeting during that time.
• 3.) Express appreciation for their consideration,
  add your phone number and email address and say
  that you are looking forward to hearing from
  them.

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Basics (Continued)

• Sincerely/Very truly yours (choose one),
• (4 spaces for signature use black ink)
• Your Name
• (1 space)
• Enclosure
• (Enclosure is used when enclosing a resume or
  additional information)

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Tips for a Great Cover Letter!

• Design your letters to be career and employer
  centered, not self-centered.
• When possible address letter to specific
  individual.
• Use high quality stationary and envelopes.
• Use professional format when using email.
• Use your first and last name when naming email
  docs.
• Keep the letter to one page.
• Avoid restating your resume.
• Produce error free, clean copy.

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More Tips for a Great Cover Letter!

• Tailor your letters for each situation.
• Show appreciation to the employer.
• Always keep your readers time in mind.
• Be honest, do not embellish.
• Complete all writing and follow up
  yourself.LAS Career Services and Job Choices
  2006

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Where Can I Get Help?

• Career Service Homepage - www.las.iastate.edu/
  careerservices
• Career Service , 351 Catt Hall - By
  Appointment - Drop-In Hours, Monday -
  Thursday 130pm - 330pm