Professional Cover Letter Writing

1. Professional Cover Letter Writing

2. Learning Outcomes • Discover the importance of knowing yourself as it relates to writing an effective cover letter; • Learn what information should be included in a professional cover letter; • Learn what common mistakes to avoid when creating your letter.

3. Principles of Cover Letter Writing • Purpose is to get the employer to read your resume. • Each letter should be adapted and personalized for each employer. • Use a business style format. • Include information about the skills and qualifications you have that could be of interest or benefit to the employer (pull from job ad). • Keep the letter to one page. • Use concise simple sentences and be especially careful to avoid sentence fragments. Avoid formal, flowery language; write in a natural, conversational tone. • Proofread.

4. Main Components of a Cover Letter Your Address Your Address Date Employ’s Address Employer’s Address Dear Employer: This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. His this is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is text. This is the closing section. This is the closing section. This is the closing section. This is the closing section. This is the closing section Sincerely yours, Jane Doe Jane Doe Contact Information Salutation Body Closing

5. Dear [insert name], First paragraph: Mention the job you’re applying for and where you found the job listing. Middle paragraphs: Discuss your qualifications. These paragraphs should be specifically tailored to requirements posted in the job listing. You might also consider including why this specific company interested you in the first place. Limit this section to two to three paragraphs. Final paragraph: Discuss the next steps. If you are going to follow up in one to two weeks, mention a specific date. If you would prefer to leave the ball in their court, say that you look forward to discussing your qualifications further. Also provide your email address and phone number. Don’t forget to thank them for their time. Yours truly, [insert your name]

6. Dear Ms. Smith, I am writing to inquire about possible openings at ABC Company for a research assistant. I am interested in a senior level position offering the opportunity for travel and advanced research assignments. As a professional administrative assistant with excellent research skills, I am eager to contribute my abilities and experience to ABC Company. Given my extensive training and background, I believe I can help ABC Company meet its goal of providing only the most accurate and timely information to its clients. Please find enclosed my resume and a list of my references. Feel free to call me at 207.555.0145, to arrange a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, John Doe Enclosures

7. Common Cover Letter Mistakes • Using “I” too many times • Using “very” or “good” • Homophone confusion (ex: their, there, they’re) or Synonym confusion (ex: excellent/outstanding) • Using general sentences or statements • Not providing enough detail • Indenting and placing a full line between paragraphs • Writing the letter with sentences “I think this is what they want to hear” attitude.