Career and Financial ManagementCover Letter Writing
Writing a Cover LetterLesson Objectives1. Identify the purpose of writing a cover
letter.2. List the parts of an effective cover
letter.3. Describe qualifications and
accomplishments in an effective cover letter format.
What is a Cover Letter?A letter that introduces an applicant and the applicant’s résumé to a potential employer
Explains why the applicant would be a good match for the potential employer
Importance of a Cover Letter Demonstrates professionalism and initiative Expands main points from résumé Goes in-depth about experience and skills Shows employer a glimpse of the
applicant’s personality Opportunity to show company and industry
knowledge Provides a sample of written
communication skills
Ultimate GoalThe main purpose of writing a cover letter is to get a job interview!
Preliminary ResearchResearch the following topics: General job information Desired qualifications and skills Key values and words
Sources of information Job advertisement Corporate website Current employees
The Bottom Line Research
Write Introduce
Interview
General Formatting Guidelines Follow a business letter format Single-spaced One page in length Standard margins (1”) Paragraphs aligned to the left of the page Spaces between paragraphs Centered in the middle of the page Signed in ink
Cover Letter PartsFour main parts Heading Introduction Argument Closing
Jacqueline S. Smith1234 Main Street • Lincoln, NE 18888
570.555.5555 • [email protected]
10/31/13
Ms. Gina McDonaldExecutive Vice PresidentWhite, Case, & Smith321 Mission Rd.Lincoln, NE 18888
Dear Ms. McDonald:
I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska.
Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith.
I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline S. Smith
Jacqueline S. Smith
Heading
Introduction
Argument
Closing
HeadingYour contact information Full address, email address, and phone
numberDateEmployer information Name and job title of recipient Company name and full addressThe heading should match the résumé’s format
HeadingJacqueline S. Smith
1234 Main Street • Lincoln, NE 18888570.555.5555 • [email protected]
10/31/13
Ms. Gina McDonaldExecutive Vice PresidentWhite, Case, & Smith321 Mission Rd.Lincoln, NE 18888
Introduction Salutation Applicant introduces self Explains the purpose of the letter and
how they learned about the position/company
Includes job code or number if requested
IntroductionDear Ms. McDonald:
I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska.
Argument Highlights qualifications and how
applicant fits the company Emphasizes interest in the company Provides evidence why applicant is best
person for the position
ArgumentThrough challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith.
Closing Explains future actions of applicant Notes any documents included with the
cover letter
ClosingI am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline S. Smith
Jacqueline S. Smith
Heading
The Bottom Line
Introduction
Argument Closing
Cover Letter
Writing a Cover LetterOne of the most challenging documents to write Must write about yourself without
sounding selfish or self-centered
How can you help the company?“I have four years of experience in sales.”
OR
“Your company will benefit from my four years of sales experience, during which I met or exceeded all sales quotas.”
Addressing Your Cover Letter Address letter to a specific individual Increases the chance it will be reviewed
by the company If no name is provided:
Call the company to ask for more information
Visit the human resources office Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”
IntroductionSalutation “Dear Sara:” Too informal “Dear Mr./Ms. _______:” If unsure of the person’s gender, use full
name “Dear Pat Jones:”
The Opening Paragraph Introduces self and states purpose for
writing Explains how you know the employer
Name drop if applicable Explains why you are interested in the
company States the type of job you are seeking
The Argument Considered the “Sales Pitch” Focuses on the applicant’s qualifications
for the job Highlights 2-4 accomplishments that
match the company’s needs Write in paragraph form, bullet points, or
as a T-letter
Argument Samples
T-LetterCover letter style that compares an applicant's qualifications with an employer's requirements in a two-column format.
T-Letter
The Closing Shows gratitude toward the reader Explains the next step in the process
Active Closing: indicates the applicant will call to request a meeting or interview More interviews
Passive Closing: requests that the reader call the applicant Higher quality interviews
Combination of active and passive closing
Closing Examples: ActiveMy résumé and transcript are enclosed for your evaluation. I will contact you on the week of August 30th to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my qualifications for the Marketing position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Closing Examples: PassiveEnclosed is my résumé for your review. I am enthusiastic about the position and look forward to hearing from you. You may reach me at 607.555.1234. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Closing Examples: CombinationI am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for you review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Cover Letter Reminders Make NO mistakes Be friendly and professional Print on quality paper Be clear about the reason for writing Be brief and direct Customize the letter Sell yourself Always thank the recipient for their time
The Bottom LineEffective Cover Letter
Introduction• Specific
Argument• Paragraph• Bullets• T-Letter
Closing• Active• Passive• Combination
Writing a Cover Letter Sending a Cover Letter
Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters.
Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter.
Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. Write a cover letter which can be sent to a
potential employer. Evaluate performance through the use of a
rubric.