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Basics of Cover Letter Writing

Basics of Cover Letter Writing. Department of Career Services. Overview. What is a cover letter and its purpose What is AIDA? Who reads the letter “The Gatekeepers” How to get past them Hands-On Exercises. Purpose of the Cover Letter.

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Basics of Cover Letter Writing

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  1. Basics of Cover Letter Writing Department of Career Services

  2. Overview • What is a cover letter and its purpose • What is AIDA? • Who reads the letter • “The Gatekeepers” • How to get past them • Hands-On Exercises

  3. Purpose of the Cover Letter • A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. • Its purpose: • Is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. • A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. • It creates a critical first impression.

  4. The Gatekeepers • Who are the “Gatekeepers?” • They are the assistants or Human Resource people who screen the resume’s • They scan the resume for “key words” • The words are those that were in the original job posting • It is their job to weed out those whose resumes and cover letters do not match the job posting

  5. What is AIDA? • It is the magic formula used by professional writing firms • Attention • Interest • Desire • Action

  6. Attention • In the first paragraph you need to grab the attention of the HR person. • Tell them why you are writing • Give good reasons for writing them • Examples: • “I would like to apply for _____ position I saw advertised on your site.” • “I was referred to your company by _____ concerning the position of _______.”

  7. Interest • In the second paragraph you need to rouse their interest. • Tell them what makes you the perfect fit • Use (key) words from the job posting within paragraph. • Examples: • I have ___ years experience as a …” • I just graduated with my MBA degree…” • I worked on (project title) at (company name)…

  8. Desire • If responding to a posting, be sure to refer to the requirements listed in your letter. • Create the desire by offering Three Solid accomplishments. • Examples: • I am very familiar with … • I know how to use… • I also have experience with…

  9. Action • Ask the HR person for an interview. • Adapt one of the following that works best for you. • “I would like to interview for the _____ position. I can be reached at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.” • “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position with you in person. I can be reached either by phone at (XXX) XXX-XXXX, or by email at XXXXX@XXXXX.com”

  10. Hands-on Exercise • You will now write draft cover letters • Use the information reviewed in presentation • When finished bring to me for critique and evaluation.

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