Cover Letters

Purpose of a Cover Letter

• A cover letter introduces yourself and entices the employer to read your resume – make a good first impression

• Should compliment your resume (not be a duplicate)• Make sure your resume goes to the correct person at the

company• Highlight some relevant skills• Make a good first impression• Tell an employer why you’re interested in working for them• Address employer’s needs• Helps land an interview

The Meat and Potatoes

• Heading• Greeting• Intro• Skills and Experience• Why you want the job• Closing

Heading

• Your full name and contact information at top • The date (month, day, and year) you are

dropping off, emailing or mailing • Address the letter to a specific person

whenever possible, using their proper name and job titles (e.g. Ms. Jana Smith, Manager)

• List the company’s name and address• Include Job Reference Number if required

Greeting

• Most cover letters begin with: Dear [addressee],

• Include the contact person’s title and last name (exclude first name)

• E.g.:Dear Ms. Smith,

Introduction

• Describe why you are writing to employer• Mention position you are applying for• Explain how you heard about position• Mention reference or mutual acquaintance to

show connection• Briefly sum up your value to employer stating

what interests you in the organization and position

Body #1: Your Skills and Experience

• Overview of skills• Highlight most relevant elements

of résumé• Pick your top three characteristics• Support with concrete examples and prove it!• Convince employer you are ideal candidate• What do you have to offer the employer?• Match skills to job requirements• DON’T REPEAT YOUR RÉSUMÉ

Body #2: Why You Want the Job

• Explain your attraction to job, firm or industry• Tell employer what you know about their

company• Focus on why the job would be a good match

for you• Combine skills, experience and interests that

would make you a perfect candidate• Express appreciation and enthusiasm for this

job opportunity• Request an interview

Closing

• Mention you would like to provide more information during an interview

• Provide contact information• Restate interest in position• Mention enclosed résumé• Confirm contact details• Sign off with: Sincerely, Yours truly, Regards, or

another formal closure• Be sure to sign in ink after you print the letter

Poor Cover Letters

• Lack of focus• Poor grammar, spelling, punctuation errors• Self-deprecation• Poor overall appearance/design

Cover Letter Mistakes

• DON’T send out a generic letter – tailor to each job

• DON’T waste space – get to the point• DON’T repeat what’s in your résumé• DON’T include salary requirements

Cover Letter Tips

• Letter should be brief, business-like, to the point• Target and tailor your letter to the requirements of a

specific position• Take time to describe your “personal brand” – unique

skills and strengths that make you attractive to employer• Focus on employer’s needs, not your needs• Indicate how you will contribute to the company• Use related industry terminology• Be energetic; use powerful words

More Tips

• Proofread, proofread!• Find out the name of the

person doing the hiring – get on the phone Then spell their name correctly!

• Keep it simple, precise and to one page• Sell yourself - don’t be modest!• State that résumé is attached/enclosed• Use good quality 8.5x11” white paper• Allow plenty of time for delivery

Top 10 Skills in Demand

1. Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills2. Self-motivated, Self-starter3. Team player4. Sound academic achievement5. Analytical and conceptual skills6. Strong written communication skills7. Flexible and adaptable attitude8. Problem solving skills9. Energy and enthusiasm10. Professional ethics