Building Skills - Cover and Thank You Letters

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Building Skills - Cover and Thank You Letters

• By
• Student Workforce Readiness Project
• PHRMA/SWHRMA

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Class Objectives

• Learn the purpose of writing cover letters
• Learn what to include in a cover letter
• Identify the differences between different styles
• Learn the purpose of writing thank you letters
• Learn what to include in a thank you letter

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Why are Job Search Letters Important?
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What Is The Purpose of a Cover Letter?

• Introduces the resume
• Summarizes (NOT REPLACES) the relevant
  qualifications
• Allows for specific requested information to be
  included, e.g., salary history, expectations.
• Customizes your marketing approach
• Sends a professional message

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What Is Included in a Cover Letter?

• General
• Date
• Company address, name, title
• Salutation (Dear)
• Signature
• Printed name, return address, phone,
• Enclosure

• Content Paragraphs
• Reason for writing, (e.g., responding to ad,
  networking)
• Attention getter (e.g., referral name, research,
  accomplishment)
• Complimentary Closing

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Types of Cover Letters

• Ad Response Letter
• Responds to advertisement
• What they want what you have
• Hint?
• Targeted Marketing Letter
• Advertising your qualifications
• Used in networking
• Hint?

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What is the Purpose ofThank You Letters?

• The purpose of writing a thank you letter is to
  positively influence the hiring decision.
• HOW?
• Opportunity to add, clarify your responses
• Shows initiative and continued interest
• Distinguishes you as the professional one
• One more way to be remembered

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What do You Put In a Thank You Letter?

• Add something that you may have forgotten during
  the interview
• Clarify a point
• Restate your qualifications
• Show your appreciation for the persons time,
  support, involvement

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When is a Thank You Letter Appropriate?

• Immediately after an interview
• Individual v. group letterswhats right?
• When someone assists you in networking
• When someone goes out of their way to help you
• After you accept an offer

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Questions?