COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

Cover Letter

Lecture/Exercise Lisa Worsh

EESH2000

Sept 2013

NOTE:

To critique a good cover letter, the reader must have the candidates resume, the cover letter, and the

job description.

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

Lilly Sue Jones 223 Superperson St, Apt 3R - Boston, MA 02115 | lillysuejones@gmail.com | 555.222.3333 | www.vizify.com/lillysuej

WORK EXPERIENCE Accion East and Online Boston, MA Bilingual Loan Consultant April 2012 – Present

Develop and recruit new business leads, structure and close loans, and maintain an existing portfolio consisting of over $425k in small business debt

Act as an Accion ambassador in the community by attending events, teaching bilingual classes on credit and financing for small business owners, and serving on panels; Nominated for SBA Financial Services Champion of the Year Award

Cultivate and nurture relationships with over 100 regional referral partners ; established Accion’s relationship with TD Bank by collaborating with the Market Manager for Southern New England and bringing on 60+ branch managers and small business lenders as referral partners

Redress Boston Brookline, MA Keyholder Jan 2012 – April 2012

Managed all store operations for a new small business: opening and closing, sales, pricing, customer service

Develop marketing strategy with owner and founding staff; generate store traffic via social media marketing and promotions; create new revenue streams by selling select items online and exploring new venues for sale

SoChange Cambridge, MA Intern Jan 2011 – April 2012

Recruited businesses, student groups, and consumers to join SoChange.com and adopt challenges

Collaborated directly with the CEO and founding team to launch a new social enterprise that incentivizes local businesses to support community causes

Root Cause, Social Impact Research Cambridge, MA Program Assistant July 2010 - Dec 2010

Managed communications and built strong relationships with all participant organizations in a rigorous evaluation competition; vetted questions and concerns; assisted with technical difficulties; conducted interviews, collected and analyzed survey data to contribute to final selection process

Led outreach and communication workshops for fellow and future interns; participated in monthly skill building training sessions

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Hyde Square Task Force Jamaica Plain, MA Volunteer January 2010 - Present

Mentor high school students preparing for college on a weekly basis; offer guidance through scholarship applications, essay writing, and decision-making; Have been with my mentees for 3 consecutive years

Social Enterprise Institute Belize & Dominican Republic Student Participant May – June 2010, April 2011

Performed research for local microfinance institution, Esperanza, which informed a restructuring of their loan officer training program

Designed and implemented a community asset mapping research project in a disenfranchised rural settlement to determine eligibility for microfinance services

Served as primary Spanish interpreter and translator

SPECIAL SKILLS Languages: Fluent in Spanish, Intermediate French Computer Skills: Experience with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, Zoho CRM, and Google Analytics.

EDUCATION Northeastern University Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts in Sociology; minor in Latin American Studies; January 2012 Concentration in Social Entrepreneurship GPA: 3.6 Honors: Dean's List, La Comunidad Latina en Accion (LaCLA) full tuition scholarship, Top 100 Most Influential Seniors Study Abroad: Universidad del Salvador (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – Fall 2009

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund: Innovation Strategist Location: Boston, MA Status: Permanent, Full Time, Open Immediately Position Summary: As an integral part of the D2D team, the Innovation Strategist will support multiple D2D initiatives. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, hard-working, detail-oriented, and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment, taking ownership of various projects, tasks, and/or ideas simultaneously. The candidate must be dedicated to the larger cause of D2D’s mission of improving the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. The candidate must be willing to take on problems as they arise, recognizing the needs of a small organization. In particular, the Innovation Strategist will work on some or all of the following teams to help design, test, and scale D2D’s innovations:

Financial Entertainment – support D2D’s efforts to define and implement the next generation of the award-winning financial entertainment innovation. Join the team that is (1) developing and deploying the marketing and outreach strategies to reach millions of American households; (2) testing and implementing new games to engage consumers and build financial capability; and (3) identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships to reach the target audience.

Mobile App Challenge – support D2D’s ongoing efforts to incubate cutting edge mobile tools to help consumers increase financial access and financial capability. Join the team that is (1) working with app designers and teams; (2) creating a distributed innovation framework for ongoing development; and (3) cultivating expertise in the area of mobile app development.

Gamification – support D2D’s new cutting edge work that builds off success with Financial Entertainment and Prize-Linked Savings. Work on the design and implementation of strategies, tools, and real-world games to improve financial outcomes for target audiences.

Behavioral Interventions – support D2D’s work developing approaches to help consumers navigate financial challenges informed by the field of behavioral economics, including the design, pilot testing and evaluation of specific tools and products.

New Innovation Ideas – support one of D2D’s early-stage innovation ideas in the areas of student debt or retirement savings for young workers. As a key member of this team, the Innovation Strategist will (1) conduct primary supporting research, (2) help design pilot ideas, and (3) participate in preliminary tests to determine idea feasibility.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate may be looking for additional experience before applying for a graduate level program and/or may be a recent graduate looking for an opportunity in the consumer finance sector. In particular, D2D is looking for:

1. Undergraduate degree required;

2. Work experience (1-3 years) preferred, but not required;

3. Track record of hard-work and demonstrated leadership;

4. Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize data in a logical way, strong Excel skills a plus;

5. Excellent communication skills, comfortable with public speaking, ability to persuade others, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies;

6. Strong project management, planning and organization skills. Collaborative, team-oriented working style and ability to work independently, as needed;

7. Demonstrated commitment to D2D’s mission, work with financially vulnerable Americans, and social objectives;

8. Flexible in assignments, willing to address project needs as they arise and able to contribute effectively to more than one project team.

Compensation range is $35,000 to $45,000. D2D offers a full benefits package, including comprehensive, employer-paid health insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a generous vacation policy. D2D is an equal opportunity organization. This position is open immediately. Some domestic travel is required.

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

NOT BAD, BUT NOT TOO GOOD

July 15, 2013 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply to the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund. I currently work at ACCION helping small business owners understand loans and financing. I’ve seen how confusing financial issues are for most people. I would love to help teaching the people you serve. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a very analytical mind. I enjoyed conducting research projects for classes. I received excellent grades for my work. I learned a lot about working at non-profits through my co-op jobs while at Northeastern University. I’m very excited about your Innovation Specialist position and I would love to work with you. I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed below. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones

555.222.333 Lillysuejones@gmail.com

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund: Innovation Strategist Location: Boston, MA Status: Permanent, Full Time, Open Immediately Position Summary: As an integral part of the D2D team, the Innovation Strategist will support multiple D2D initiatives. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, hard-working, detail-oriented, and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment, taking ownership of various projects, tasks, and/or ideas simultaneously. The candidate must be dedicated to the larger cause of D2D’s mission of improving the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. The candidate must be willing to take on problems as they arise, recognizing the needs of a small organization. In particular, the Innovation Strategist will work on some or all of the following teams to help design, test, and scale D2D’s innovations:

Financial Entertainment – support D2D’s efforts to define and implement the next generation of the award-winning financial entertainment innovation. Join the team that is (1) developing and deploying the marketing and outreach strategies to reach millions of American households; (2) testing and implementing new games to engage consumers and build financial capability; and (3) identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships to reach the target audience.

Mobile App Challenge – support D2D’s ongoing efforts to incubate cutting edge mobile tools to help consumers increase financial access and financial capability. Join the team that is (1) working with app designers and teams; (2) creating a distributed innovation framework for ongoing development; and (3) cultivating expertise in the area of mobile app development.

Gamification – support D2D’s new cutting edge work that builds off success with Financial Entertainment and Prize-Linked Savings. Work on the design and implementation of strategies, tools, and real-world games to improve financial outcomes for target audiences.

Behavioral Interventions – support D2D’s work developing approaches to help consumers navigate financial challenges informed by the field of behavioral economics, including the design, pilot testing and evaluation of specific tools and products.

New Innovation Ideas – support one of D2D’s early-stage innovation ideas in the areas of student debt or retirement savings for young workers. As a key member of this team, the Innovation Strategist will (1) conduct primary supporting research, (2) help design pilot ideas, and (3) participate in preliminary tests to determine idea feasibility.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate may be looking for additional experience before applying for a graduate level program and/or may be a recent graduate looking for an opportunity in the consumer finance sector. In particular, D2D is looking for:

1. Undergraduate degree required;

2. Work experience (1-3 years) preferred, but not required;

3. Track record of hard-work and demonstrated leadership;

4. Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize data in a logical way, strong Excel skills a plus;

5. Excellent communication skills, comfortable with public speaking, ability to persuade others, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies;

6. Strong project management, planning and organization skills. Collaborative, team-oriented working style and ability to work independently, as needed;

7. Demonstrated commitment to D2D’s mission, work with financially vulnerable Americans, and social objectives;

8. Flexible in assignments, willing to address project needs as they arise and able to contribute effectively to more than one project team.

Compensation range is $35,000 to $45,000. D2D offers a full benefits package, including comprehensive, employer-paid health insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a generous vacation policy. D2D is an equal opportunity organization. This position is open immediately. Some domestic travel is required.

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

BETTER

Boston, MA 02115 555.222.333 Lillysuejones@gmail.com July 15, 2013 D2D Fund 114 Western Avenue Allston, MA 02134 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to express my interest in the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund. I would love to learn more about finance education. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in my role at ACCION is the opportunity to help my clients understand their finances and also train many of our partners in the field. I’ve seen firsthand how confusing financial issues are for most people. I would love to be a part of teaching people through technology. I have studied sociology with a focus on applied research, which I put into practice on several projects. I measured impact of microfinance programming in the Dominican Republic and Belize. I also worked with the grantees to understand where their needs are being met and where they are lacking. I’m looking to play a more creative, analytical role in an organization working towards financial inclusion for all. I believe I could learn and grow exponentially while bringing a lot to the table at the Innovation Strategist position with D2D, and I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed above. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

Doorways to Dreams (D2D) Fund: Innovation Strategist Location: Boston, MA Status: Permanent, Full Time, Open Immediately Position Summary: As an integral part of the D2D team, the Innovation Strategist will support multiple D2D initiatives. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, hard-working, detail-oriented, and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment, taking ownership of various projects, tasks, and/or ideas simultaneously. The candidate must be dedicated to the larger cause of D2D’s mission of improving the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. The candidate must be willing to take on problems as they arise, recognizing the needs of a small organization. In particular, the Innovation Strategist will work on some or all of the following teams to help design, test, and scale D2D’s innovations:

Financial Entertainment – support D2D’s efforts to define and implement the next generation of the award-winning financial entertainment innovation. Join the team that is (1) developing and deploying the marketing and outreach strategies to reach millions of American households; (2) testing and implementing new games to engage consumers and build financial capability; and (3) identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships to reach the target audience.

Mobile App Challenge – support D2D’s ongoing efforts to incubate cutting edge mobile tools to help consumers increase financial access and financial capability. Join the team that is (1) working with app designers and teams; (2) creating a distributed innovation framework for ongoing development; and (3) cultivating expertise in the area of mobile app development.

Gamification – support D2D’s new cutting edge work that builds off success with Financial Entertainment and Prize-Linked Savings. Work on the design and implementation of strategies, tools, and real-world games to improve financial outcomes for target audiences.

Behavioral Interventions – support D2D’s work developing approaches to help consumers navigate financial challenges informed by the field of behavioral economics, including the design, pilot testing and evaluation of specific tools and products.

New Innovation Ideas – support one of D2D’s early-stage innovation ideas in the areas of student debt or retirement savings for young workers. As a key member of this team, the Innovation Strategist will (1) conduct primary supporting research, (2) help design pilot ideas, and (3) participate in preliminary tests to determine idea feasibility.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate may be looking for additional experience before applying for a graduate level program and/or may be a recent graduate looking for an opportunity in the consumer finance sector. In particular, D2D is looking for:

1. Undergraduate degree required;

2. Work experience (1-3 years) preferred, but not required;

3. Track record of hard-work and demonstrated leadership;

4. Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize data in a logical way, strong Excel skills a plus;

5. Excellent communication skills, comfortable with public speaking, ability to persuade others, and demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies;

6. Strong project management, planning and organization skills. Collaborative, team-oriented working style and ability to work independently, as needed;

7. Demonstrated commitment to D2D’s mission, work with financially vulnerable Americans, and social objectives;

8. Flexible in assignments, willing to address project needs as they arise and able to contribute effectively to more than one project team.

Compensation range is $35,000 to $45,000. D2D offers a full benefits package, including comprehensive, employer-paid health insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a generous vacation policy. D2D is an equal opportunity organization. This position is open immediately. Some domestic travel is required.

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013 HIRE THIS PERSON RIGHT NOW!

Lilly Sue Jones 223 Superperson St, Apt 3R - Boston, MA 02115 | lillysuejones@gmail.com | 555.222.3333 | www.vizify.com/lillysuej

July 15, 2013 D2D Fund 114 Western Avenue Allston, MA 02134 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to express my interest in the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund, which I heard about through my former co-op advisor at Northeastern University, Lisa Worsh. I was drawn to the position because of its creative function and my desire to apply the knowledge I’ve gained working as a lender and educator with the nation’s largest microfinance organization, Accion. In addition to conducting loan analysis and maintaining my portfolio of small business clients at Accion, one of the things I’ve enjoyed most in this role is the opportunity to provide financial education through immediate technical assistance with my clients and by hosting workshops with our many partners in the field. I’ve learned how important knowledge about personal credit and navigating financing is to achieving one’s goals as an adult in America, and how little and misguided information there is currently available. While I tried to disseminate the knowledge I had to offer in the most relatable way I could, the organizations I have typically worked with reach a limited amount of people in an old-fashioned, classroom-centric way. Consequently, the knowledge doesn’t reach the people who need it the way it should – especially young people. This is what excited me about D2D’s products and services – a unique and innovative approach to financial education which takes into account the way people are already learning and interacting every day – through technology. The opportunity to contribute to the design of such products is something I’ve craved in my current role and would enthusiastically take on as an Innovation Strategist at D2D. I could bring a strong analytical mind to D2D’s creative and testing processes having studied sociology with a focus on applied research, which I put into practice on several projects measuring the impact of microfinance programming in the Dominican Republic and Belize. My expertise in working one-on-one with beneficiaries of financial services to dig deeper and understand where needs are being met and where they are lacking could bring focus in ensuring the relevancy of D2D’s products to its constituency. I’m looking to make a career change – one where I can use what I have learned in the nonprofit and financial services field to play a more creative, analytical role in an organization working towards financial inclusion for all. I believe I could learn and grow exponentially while bringing a lot to the table at the Innovation Strategist position with D2D, and I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed above. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

NOT BAD, BUT NOT GREAT

July 15, 2013 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to apply to the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund. I currently work at ACCION helping small business owners understand loans and financing. I’ve seen how confusing financial issues are for most people. I would love to help teaching the people you serve. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a very analytical mind. I enjoyed conducting research projects for classes. I received excellent grades for my work. I learned a lot about working at non-profits through my co-op jobs while at Northeastern University. I’m very excited about your Innovation Specialist position and I would love to work with you. I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed below. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones

555.222.333 Lillysuejones@gmail.com

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013

BETTER

Boston, MA 02115 555.222.333 Lillysuejones@gmail.com July 15, 2013 D2D Fund 114 Western Avenue Allston, MA 02134 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to express my interest in the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund. I would love to learn more about finance education. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in my role at ACCION is the opportunity to help my clients understand their finances and also train many of our partners in the field. I’ve seen firsthand how confusing financial issues are for most people. I would love to be a part of teaching people through technology. I have studied sociology with a focus on applied research, which I put into practice on several projects. I measured impact of microfinance programming in the Dominican Republic and Belize. I also worked with the grantees to understand where their needs are being met and where they are lacking. I’m looking to play a more creative, analytical role in an organization working towards financial inclusion for all. I believe I could learn and grow exponentially while bringing a lot to the table at the Innovation Strategist position with D2D, and I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed above. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones

COVER LETTER DEMONSTRATION LW – CLASS 9-2013 HIRE THIS PERSON RIGHT NOW!

Lilly Sue Jones 223 Superperson St, Apt 3R - Boston, MA 02115 | lillysuejones@gmail.com | 555.222.3333 | www.vizify.com/lillysuej

July 15, 2013 D2D Fund 114 Western Avenue Allston, MA 02134 Dear Hiring Manager: I am writing to express my interest in the Innovation Strategist position at D2D Fund, which I heard about through my former co-op advisor at Northeastern University, Lisa Worsh. I was drawn to the position because of its creative function and my desire to apply the knowledge I’ve gained working as a lender and educator with the nation’s largest microfinance organization, Accion. In addition to conducting loan analysis and maintaining my portfolio of small business clients at Accion, one of the things I’ve enjoyed most in this role is the opportunity to provide financial education through immediate technical assistance with my clients and by hosting workshops with our many partners in the field. I’ve learned how important knowledge about personal credit and navigating financing is to achieving one’s goals as an adult in America, and how little and misguided information there is currently available. While I tried to disseminate the knowledge I had to offer in the most relatable way I could, the organizations I have typically worked with reach a limited amount of people in an old-fashioned, classroom-centric way. Consequently, the knowledge doesn’t reach the people who need it the way it should – especially young people. This is what excited me about D2D’s products and services – a unique and innovative approach to financial education which takes into account the way people are already learning and interacting every day – through technology. The opportunity to contribute to the design of such products is something I’ve craved in my current role and would enthusiastically take on as an Innovation Strategist at D2D. I could bring a strong analytical mind to D2D’s creative and testing processes having studied sociology with a focus on applied research, which I put into practice on several projects measuring the impact of microfinance programming in the Dominican Republic and Belize. My expertise in working one-on-one with beneficiaries of financial services to dig deeper and understand where needs are being met and where they are lacking could bring focus in ensuring the relevancy of D2D’s products to its constituency. I’m looking to make a career change – one where I can use what I have learned in the nonprofit and financial services field to play a more creative, analytical role in an organization working towards financial inclusion for all. I believe I could learn and grow exponentially while bringing a lot to the table at the Innovation Strategist position with D2D, and I look forward to hearing back. Please feel free to contact me at the e-mail or phone number listed above. Thank you for your consideration, Lilly Sue Jones