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Cover Letter Optional: How to write one (and when it’s necessary)

Agenda+ Purpose of a cover letter

+ The formula for a successful cover letter

+ Best practices

The information presented in this webinar is provided as a courtesy, and any views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Indeed. It does not represent a forecast, prediction, or other indication of future market or economic performance, and should not be relied upon for such purposes. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.

Today’s Panelists

John E. LongBoard Certified Coach and Certified Master of Career Services@ Two Roads Resources, Inc. Career & Life Coaching

Brandy CohnJob Seeker Experience Marketing Manager@ Indeed

Purpose of a cover letter

Skill Set

Background Culture Fit

When an employer evaluates you as a candidate, they consider three things:

A well-composed resume provides insight into the first two...

But it’s challenging for an employer to determine whether you’re a culture fit based on skills and experience alone.

And that’s where a cover letter can help you shine.

Because the best way to capture an employer’s attention is to tell a story.

Your story.

It will tell them more about...

+ Who you are+ What you care about+ Why you’re the best fit for the role

A compelling cover letter will grab an employer’s attention

But a cover letter must also be concise and easy-to-read.

Beena Devi1234 Main StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117415.555.0012beena.j.devi@email.com

March 16, 2020

Dear Hiring Manager,

Since I was a child, I’ve always had a knack for solving puzzles — the more challenging, the better. Eventually, my love for overcoming complex problems led me to a career in project management. And that’s why, when my former co-worker Mary Martinez mentioned you were looking to fill a Senior Project Manager position, I knew I had to apply. I’d love the opportunity to help you replicate your success as you expand into the European market.

After more than a decade of managing software application development projects, I know what it takes to exceed expectations on tight timelines. In my current role as a lead project manager, I once managed the overhaul of our product’s design and user experience. Not only did I ensure we met all deadlines, but I helped eliminate process inefficiencies and saved the company more than $15,000. I’m confident I can help bring the same sorts of outcomes to your company.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about the position and your organization’s vision for this role.

Sincerely,

Beena Devi

The formula for a successful cover letter+ Header

+ Greeting

+ Attention-getter

+ Skills + qualifications

+ Wrap-up

+ Closing

Your NameYour AddressYour AddressYour Phone NumberYour Email Address

Date

Beena Devi1234 Main StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117415.555.0012beena.j.devi@email.com

March 16, 2020

Header

“Dear Hiring Manager,” Greeting

“Since I was a child, I’ve always had a knack for solving puzzles — the more challenging, the better. Eventually, my love for overcoming complex problems led me to a career in project management. And that’s why, when my former co-worker Mary Martinez mentioned you were looking to fill a Senior Project Manager position, I knew I had to apply. I’d love the opportunity to help you replicate your success as you expand into the European market.”

Attention-getter

Provide a story to illustrate how you’ve overcome a relevant challenge.

Situation

Task

Assessment/Action

Results

Be a STAR

“After more than a decade of managing software application development projects, I know what it takes to exceed expectations on tight timelines. In my current role as a lead project manager, I once managed the overhaul of our product’s design and user experience. Not only did I ensure we met all deadlines, but I helped eliminate process inefficiencies and saved the company more than $15,000. I’m confident I can help bring the same sorts of outcomes to your company.”

Skills + Qualifications

“Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about the position and your organization’s vision for this role.”

Wrap-up

“As you might’ve noticed in my resume, I took a year sabbatical from 2016 to 2017 to travel across Europe and Asia. This experience strengthened my understanding of the market and its needs, and I’d love the opportunity to share those insights with you. I look forward to learning more about the position and your organization’s vision for this role. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Wrap-up

Explain gaps in employmentLeft to be a caretaker: “I spent some time as the primary caretaker in my family. During that time, I was able to be there for my family but always knew I wanted to return to work. I’m ready to do that now.”

Explain gaps in employmentLaid off by your employer: “My former employer underwent a restructuring that resulted in my position being eliminated. While this was difficult, I left with the confidence that I had developed important skills there and built strong relationships with my managers and colleagues.”

Explain gaps in employmentFired from your job: “The company and I had different expectations. In reflecting on that experience, I realize there are some things I could have done differently. I learned a great deal and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that maturity to my next job.”

Explain gaps in employmentTook time off for personal reasons: “I was able to take some time off work to focus on myself. It was a time that prepared me to take on new challenges. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, such as this position.”

Explain gaps in employmentLaid off due to COVID-19:“My employer underwent a downsizing due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic that resulted in my position being eliminated. It was difficult, but I left with the confidence that I had developed important skills there and built strong relationships with my managers and colleagues.”

“Sincerely,

Beena Devi”Closing

Beena Devi1234 Main StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117415.555.0012beena.j.devi@email.com

March 16, 2020

Dear Hiring Manager,

Since I was a child, I’ve always had a knack for solving puzzles — the more challenging, the better. Eventually, my love for overcoming complex problems led me to a career in project management. And that’s why, when my former co-worker Mary Martinez mentioned you were looking to fill a Senior Project Manager position, I knew I had to apply. I’d love the opportunity to help you replicate your success as you expand into the European market.

After more than a decade of managing software application development projects, I know what it takes to exceed expectations on tight timelines. In my current role as a lead project manager, I once managed the overhaul of our product’s design and user experience. Not only did I ensure we met all deadlines, but I helped eliminate process inefficiencies and saved the company more than $15,000. I’m confident I can help bring the same sorts of outcomes to your company.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about the position and your organization’s vision for this role.

Sincerely,

Beena Devi

The formula for a successful cover letter+ Header

+ Greeting

+ Attention-getter

+ Skills + qualifications

+ Wrap-up

+ Closing

Best Practices

After you’ve written your cover letter, be sure to proofread carefully.

Then proofread again.

Not every employer will ask you for a cover letter, but you should

still include one.

Why?

Because cover letters help you stand out. They help hiring managers remember you.

Before you write your cover letter, make sure you read the job posting very carefully.

It’s also a good idea to use keywords to avoid sounding formulaic.

The only time you shouldn’t include a cover letter is when you can’t.

Browse cover letters by job title for inspirationAccess over 300 sample cover letters:

go.indeed.com/cover-letter-samples

Not necessarily.Consider creating a template, and then

personalize your letter for each job application.

Should you write a new cover letter for every job application?

Follow the employer’s instructions.If you’re uploading it, save as a PDF to lock in

the formatting. If emailing, send it as the body of your email.

How should you send your cover letter?

Your cover letter should be one single page. Include three paragraphs, and make sure they

can each be read in ten seconds or less.

What’s the best length for a cover letter?

Keep it simple. Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, and Verdana are

great font choices.

What’s the best font for a cover letter?

Employers want your story.Resumes only tell a portion.

Doesn’t my resume speak for itself?

Still have questions?Post them on Indeed Community:

go.indeed.com/coverletter

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John Long is a professional career coach and university instructor. His private coaching practice, Two Roads Resources, Inc., has offices in Atlanta, GA and Jacksonville, FL. He is the author of Career Judo – The Martial Art for the Mindful Career.

John’s work with students and clients takes a strengths-based approach blended with elements of positive psychology and solution focused change. John currently serves on the Boards of the National Career Development Association Credentialing Commission and the Florida Career Development Association.

Learn more from Coach John

www.exploretworoads.com

LinkedIn.com/in/johnelong

www.CareerJudo.com

Thank you!