Crafting Effective Cover Letters
Cover Letters:
Selling your skills on paper
By Sharpay Huang
W
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?
A supplement to the resume that includes
more detailed information about yourself
Show our qualifications to a job
A ‘must’ with your resume to let you stand
out
Expresses your interest in a position
Request for an interview
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Should be brief and
interesting
Limit to one page, 3-4 paragraphs
Complement your resume, not repeat
Give employers reasons to hire you
F
o
r
m
a
t
Font that matches your resume
Typical business formatting
Clearly visible contact information on top
---- A
return address,
the
date, and the
address of the recipient
Address the letter to a specific person at the
company you are applying to
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Here are some ideas on how to get the name of a specific person:
Look in the job ad for the contact person.
Call the company for more information.
Research the company's website for the
person in charge of the department you are
applying to, or a person in Human Resources.
Or to a group ( e.g. Hiring Professionals, Selection Committee)
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s
Craig M. Leroix
2987 W. Taylor Dr.
Portland, OR 45720
890-372-1262
cmleroix@anywhere.com
February 2, 2005
Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director
Western Electric, Inc.
387 Collier Lane
Atlanta, Georgia 30051
Dear Ms. Kincaid:
Dear Pat Thompson:
Dear Hiring Professionals:
Dear Selection Committee:
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Which sounds better?
I
am writing today to apply for the account
manager position you have posted on your
company Website
I have increased the size and sales levels of
my client base in every position I have held,
which in turn has increased the revenues and
profits of my employers. I want to bring this
same success to the account position you have
posted on your Website.
T
h
i
n
k
a
b
o
u
t
t
h
i
s
…
1.
How can I show I am qualified for this
position and that I am a good match for
the organization?
2.
What have I done that illustrates these
qualifications?
B
o
d
y
P
a
r
a
g
r
a
p
h
-
-
T
e
l
l
s
t
o
r
i
e
s
!
Emphasize your strongest qualifications or top
selling points
--Focus on personal qualities and special skills that enhance your
qualifications
Show how these qualifications make you a ideal
person for the job
Provide examples of your achievements that have
benefited previous companies
Tell the employer how you can directly contribute to the
company
C
l
o
s
i
n
g
P
a
r
a
g
r
a
p
h
Give a final statement of interest/qualifications
Ask for a interview
Include your contact information
Thank the employer for his/her time and
consideration
Sign your letter
C
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Please take the time to look over my resume,
and feel free to contact my references. I would
love to further discuss this position in person. I
will follow up with you in a few days to answer
any preliminary questions you might have. In
the meantime, please do not hesitate to
contact me at 916-424-4444.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
F
i
n
a
l
R
e
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
a
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Let at least 3 people read it, get reviews, and
revise your letter
Maintain a friendly and professional tone
throughout the letter
Check for spelling errors and typos-
professionalism is a must
A cover letter is a vital document that complements your resume, showcasing your qualifications and expressing your interest in a job. Learn how to format, address, and structure your cover letter to grab attention and land that interview. Follow these guidelines to stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of securing the job you desire.
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Presentation Transcript
Cover Letters: Selling your skills on paper By Sharpay Huang
What is a cover letter? A supplement to the resume that includes more detailed information about yourself Show our qualifications to a job Expresses your interest in a position Request for an interview A must with your resume to let you stand out
A Few Things To Keep In Mind The goal is to get an interview! Should be brief and interesting Limit to one page, 3-4 paragraphs Complement your resume, not repeat Give employers reasons to hire you
Format Font that matches your resume Typical business formatting Clearly visible contact information on top ---- A return address, the date, and the address of the recipient Address the letter to a specific person at the company you are applying to
To whom do I address the letter to? Here are some ideas on how to get the name of a specific person: Look in the job ad for the contact person. Call the company for more information. Research the company's website for the person in charge of the department you are applying to, or a person in Human Resources. Or to a group ( e.g. Hiring Professionals, Selection Committee)
Example of Heading and Greetings Craig M. Leroix 2987 W. Taylor Dr. Portland, OR 45720 890-372-1262 cmleroix@anywhere.com Dear Ms. Kincaid: Dear Pat Thompson: Dear Hiring Professionals: Dear Selection Committee: February 2, 2005 Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director Western Electric, Inc. 387 Collier Lane Atlanta, Georgia 30051
Opening Paragraph --Grab ATTENTION!! Tell who you are List your references or how you heard about the job Discuss the position you are applying for Indicate why you are interested in the company and the job Highlight the main points you will focus in the letter
Which sounds better? I am writing today to apply for the account manager position you have posted on your company Website I have increased the size and sales levels of my client base in every position I have held, which in turn has increased the revenues and profits of my employers. I want to bring this same success to the account position you have posted on your Website.
Think about this 1. How can I show I am qualified for this position and that I am a good match for the organization? 2. What have I done that illustrates these qualifications?
Body Paragraph --Tell stories! Emphasize your strongest qualifications or top selling points --Focus on personal qualities and special skills that enhance your qualifications Show how these qualifications make you a ideal person for the job Provide examples of your achievements that have benefited previous companies Tell the employer how you can directly contribute to the company
Closing Paragraph Give a final statement of interest/qualifications Ask for a interview Include your contact information Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration Sign your letter
Closing Paragraph Example Please take the time to look over my resume, and feel free to contact my references. I would love to further discuss this position in person. I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions you might have. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at 916-424-4444. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Final Recommendation Let at least 3 people read it, get reviews, and revise your letter Maintain a friendly and professional tone throughout the letter Check for spelling errors and typos- professionalism is a must
