| DEFINITION |
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The Cover Letter
is:
- A formal
business letter.
- The first
impression an employer has of you.
- An introduction
of you to potential employers.
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A Cover Letter
allows you:
- To clearly
express your interests to an employer.
- To highlight
relevant items on your resume.
- To gear
your skills specifically to the employer's needs.
- To get the
employer to want to read your resume.
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| COVER
LETTER TIPS |
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- Be specific.
Always write to a specific person and say you are interested in a specific
position or a particular field.
- Each letter
should be individually tailored to the specific position and/or employer,
i.e.. Why are you interested in this corporation/organization? What
makes it special? What attractions does it hold for you?
- The letter
should be concise, three to four paragraphs and not longer than one
page.
- 8 1/2 "
x 11" good quality bond paper that matches your resume should be
used.
- If answering
an ad, respond to and address all of the qualifications sought and tell
the employer how you qualify and why you fulfill the requirements. Provide
examples of your accomplishments and results.
- A cover
letter should always accompany a mailed resume.
- Do not reiterate
your entire resume. Only highlight relevant experiences.
- Avoid unnecessary
flattery and being overly grateful.
- Always include
your address on the cover letter.
- Absolutely
no errors should exist and your name should be signed in black ink.
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| COVER
LETTER FORMAT |
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| Be sure to
center your letter from top to bottom of the page |
| Copy the
contact information from the heading of your resume and paste it to the
top of your cover letter |
| Hit return
key two times (double space) |
| Date of Letter
- left margin |
| Hit return
key four times |
| Contact Name
- left margin |
| Title-
left margin |
| Company/Organization
Name - left margin |
| Address
- left margin |
| City, State,
Zip - left margin |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Dear Mr./Ms.______:
- left margin |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Opening Paragraph.
Tell why you are writing. Name the position or general area of work that
interests you. Mention how you learned about the job opening (If you were
referred by a person within the organization or field, mention his/her name
and title) and why you are interested in it. - left margin or can indent
first line |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Middle Paragraph.
Give some background information. Cite your work experience, educational
preparation and skills that qualify you for the position for which you are
applying. Indicate why you should be considered as a candidate, focusing
upon how your skills can fulfill the needs of the company. Relate your experience
to their needs and mention specific results and achievements. Be sure to
address each of the qualifications and skills mentioned in the job ad.-
left margin or indent first line |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Closing Paragraph.
Refer to your enclosed resume. Give a time frame within which you will be
available and let them know when you will be following-up with a phone call.
Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration. - left margin
or indent first line |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Sincerely,
- left margin |
| Hit return
key four times and sign your signature between sincerely and your typed
name |
| Type Your
Name |
| Hit return
key twice |
| Enclosure |
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| THANK
YOU LETTERS |
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After an interview
(informational, employment, internship, etc.) it is extremely important
to send a follow-up letter to the person(s) with whom you interviewed.
In your thank you letter, you should:
- Remark on
unique aspects of your discussion in order to remind the person(s) who
you are.
- Indicate
why and when you met.
- Reiterate
your enthusiasm and continued interest in the field or position.
- Demonstrate
your qualifications (education, experience, and skills).
- Highlight
any important information which was not discussed in the interview.
- Note follow-up
action regarding his/her suggestions.
- Convey your
appreciation for his/her time and consideration.
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