PREPARING A COVER LETTER

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PREPARING A COVER LETTER
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What is a cover letter?

• Its your first real contact with a person who
  may become your employer
• Its you chance to show an employer what
  qualifies you for the job
• It is the first impression an employer has of
  you!
• It answers the question Why should we hire you?

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You should always include a cover letter along
with your résumé
I AM A RÉSUMÉS COMPANION
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Parts of a cover letter

• 1. Introductory paragraph (click here)
• States why you are writing and how you heard
  about the position (job posting, newspaper
  article, word of mouth)

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Parts of a cover letter

• 2. Middle paragraphs (1-3) (click here)
• Relate your skills and experiences to the
  employers needs
• Show where you demonstrated these skills
• Show how you can contribute to the organization
• Show your interest in and understanding of the
  organization

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Parts of a cover letter

• Final paragraph (click here)
• Re-state your interest in the position
• Thank the employer for their consideration
• Request an interview

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Tips on writing cover letters

• DO
• Research before writing the cover letter to show
  that you understand the organization
• Find out the name of the contact person and use
  it in the letter
• Provide your name, phone number and address
• Write in your own words

• DO
• Be specificback up what you say with experiences
• Proofread carefully and have someone else check
  it, too
• Use a standard font (match your résumé)
• Make sure the employer knows what action to
  takewill you call or will the employer call you?

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Tips on writing cover letters

• DONT
• Send form letters!
• Make the letter more than one page long
• Write a cover letter by hand
• Start every sentence with I

• DONT
• Repeat what is on your résumé
• Wait until the last day before a deadline

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Remember

• Make the employer want to meet with you by
  showing how your skills and experience meet the
  needs of the employer.
• It takes time to create effective, targeted cover
  letters, but it is definitely worth the time and
  effort.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

• Here is an example of a letter written in
  response to a newspaper advertisement
• Note the formatting of the letter
• Here is an example of another letter
• Rememberfirst impressions count!

Bowl them over with your cover letter!