1 / 19

COVER LETTERS

COVER LETTERS. What is a Cover Letter?. Many employers need a cover letter to go with a résumé. It shows that you can communicate effectively. Your cover letter and résumé should work together to convince an employer to give you an interview. It is your first impression!.

ciqala
Download Presentation

COVER LETTERS

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. COVER LETTERS

  2. What is a Cover Letter? • Many employers need a cover letter to go with a résumé. • It shows that you can communicate effectively. • Your cover letter and résumé should work together to convince an employer to give you an interview. • It is your first impression!

  3. What should my cover letter accomplish?

  4. Your cover letter should: • Show the employer you have tailored the letter to the company and the job • Don’t use the same cover letter for every job • Explain your experiences in a clear, story-like manner • Detail your experiences/skills that relate to the job • Explain how your experiences/skills will help you help the employer and do the job • Provide an example of your communication skills.

  5. Before Writing: • Read the job advertisement carefully and underline important information that you can use in your letter • Tailor your letter to information in the ad. • E.g. “We are looking for a motivated person with a good driving record.” • I am a motivated person with a good driving record.

  6. What should my cover letter look like?

  7. Block format • The standard type of letter • The entire letter is left- aligned against the left margin

  8. Modified block • The date and closing are tabbed to the center point • The body text of the letter is left aligned

  9. Semi-Block • The body text of the letter is left justified except for the first sentence of the paragraphs. • The date and closing are tabbed to the center point

  10. Cover Letter Sections

  11. Four Sections: • Heading • Introduction • 2-3 argument/body paragraphs • Closing statement

  12. Sample Heading February 10, 2011John M. Smith181 Higgins AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3C 4L8204-123-4567jmsmith123@gmail.comAlex CarsonManger, A & D Industries1437 Any StreetWinnipeg, MB R2L 8K3204-891-1011 • Date • Your name • Address • Phone number • Email • Employer’s name • Company • Address • Phone number

  13. NOTE: • hotchick123@hotmail.com is not an appropriate email address to give an employer!

  14. Introduction • Address your letter to a specific individual if possible. • Look in the job ad for the contact person • Call the company • Look on the company’s website • If you cannot find the name of the contact person, address your letter to a group • Mention at least two examples of your experience from your résumé

  15. Sample Introduction Dear Pat Carson:Use Ms., Mrs., Mr. only if sure I read in the June 7, 2009 Journal and Courier employment section that A & D Industries is hiring a welder apprentice (#46), and I would like to speak with you about this position. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills make me a good match for A & D Industries. Also, my welding experience at Russell’s Collision Service as an auto body technician, welder/fabricatorandmy courses in weldingmake me a good candidate for your apprentice position.

  16. Body Paragraphs • Emphasize that you are a good match for the company and that you can do the job • Elaborate on the two examples of your experience that you used in your introduction

  17. Sample Paragraphs For the past two years, I have been working as an auto body technician and welder/fabricator at Russell’s Collision Service in Winnipeg. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills… In addition, during my two years at Russell’s, I developed my welding skills to become certified in welding steel, aluminum,…

  18. Closing • Restate your qualifications • Ask for an interview • Provide your contact information • Reference your résumé • Thank the employer for his/her time. • Sign your name • Type Enclosure or Attachment under your name for your résumé

  19. Sample Closing I am looking forward to meeting with you to interview for the welder apprentice position. I am sure that my strong work ethic, customer service skills, and welding experience can help A & D Industries. If you have any questions, please call me at 204-123-4567. You may also email me at jmsmith@gmail.com. For your reference, I have included my résumé. Thank you for taking the time to review my documents.Sincerely,<Signature>John M. SmithEnclosure: Résumé for John M. Smith

More Related