1. How to write a cover
letter
Lecture 3.1
University of Alberta
ALES 204
Nancy Bray
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2. Housekeeping
Questions about Assignment #1
iClickers (cross fingers that we will get started this class!)
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3. iClicker Question
How many spelling errors can you find in this poster?
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4. Lecture Outline
1. Why cover letters?
2. Steps to a good cover letter
3. Deadly sins of grammar
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5. 1. Why cover letters?
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6. Why do you
need one?
Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.
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7. Traditional cover letter
Dear Sir or Madam:
Please accept this letter and resume for the position of graphic
designer which was posted in the Edmonton Journal on May 10. My
work and educational background make me an outstanding
candidate. I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Your truly,
Jane Smith
Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.
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8. A good cover
letter can
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9. 8 steps to a good
cover letter
1. Research the employer
2. If e-mail: create a good subject
line
3. Start with a greeting
4. The lead line
5. The sales pitch
6. The closer
7. Closing line
8. Proofread carefully
Source: http://susanireland.com/letter/how-to/ 9

10. 1. Research
employer
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11. 2. E-mail
subject line
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12. 3. Greeting
If you know the person’s name, use “Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Dr.
Smith,”
If you don’t know the person’s name, use:
Dear Recruiter,
Dear Director,
Dear Manager,
Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear Human Resources Manager,
Dear Personnel Manager,
Dear Sir or Madam,
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13. 4. The lead line
First line needs to catch the reader’s attention
"Amar Singh recommended I speak with you about your opening for
a conversation officer."
The Globe & Mail reported last week that AgraBiz is branching out into
Alberta. As an experienced sales rep in Edmonton, I am most
interested in helping with your new venture."
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14. 5. The sales pitch
What skills and experience is the employer looking for in the ideal
candidate for the job you want?
Which of your achievements demonstrates that you have the skills
and experience the employer is looking for?
Which of your personality traits is the employer looking for in the
perfect applicant for the position you seek?
Pitch yourself to the employer based on these qualities
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15. Example #1
"You know you have the right person in the position when you can”
Count on your office operations running smoothly.
Access accurate information regarding your finances at any time”
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16. Example #2
"My former employer commented that I demonstrate a
professionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) management
professionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to your
management team in the near future."
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17. Example #3
Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.
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18. Stand out
with...
See examples on eClass: Good Cover Letter Examples
Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.
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19. 6. The Closer
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20. 7. Closing line
Regards,
Kind regards,
Warm regards,
Sincerely,
Sincerely yours,
Yours truly,
Cordially,
Best,
Best wishes,
Again, thank you,
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21. 8. Proofread
Proofread, proofread,
proofread
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22. 3. Deadly sins of grammar
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23. Why grammar matters
Poor grammar affects grades and job performance (Connors-
Lunsford, Hairston)
But teaching grammar doesn’t help...
Source: Sargent (2005) Bare Bones Writer’s Grammar (on eClass)
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24. The worst
errors
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25. iClicker question
Which sentence is grammatical?
a. The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the
werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.
b. The zombies ate the children, the vampires bit the dogs.
c. Whenever there was a full moon.
d. The zombies ate the children; the vampires bit the dogs; and the
adults ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.
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26. Telling fragments from sentences
1. Make a tag question
2. Make a yes/no question
3. Embed “I believe that”
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27. Example #1
1. Make a tag question
2. Make a yes/no question
3. Embed “I believe that”
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28. Example #2
1. Make a tag question
*
1. Make a yes/no question
*
1. Embed “I believe that”
*
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29. Finding clause boundaries
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30. Example #1
The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the
werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.
1. Make a tag question
1. Make a yes/no question
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31. Example #1
The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the
werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.
1. Make a tag question
2. Make a yes/no question
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32. Example #1
The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the
werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.
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33. Other things to watch
Capitalization: inconsistent use and over-capitalization. See OWL at
Purdue for capitalization rules
Wordiness. Try using the paramedic method
Sloppiness. Ignoring spelling and grammar checks. Not
proofreading.
Try SpellCheckPlus
Go to the Centre for Writers
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34. Take away
Consider ways to stand out
with your cover letter
Proofread outloud
Make sure you respect
sentence boundaries!
Proofread outloud again
Have someone proofread for
you.
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35. Photo Credits
Roger’s billboard by Nikki V.
typewriter by Eye - the world through my I
businesswoman by mfrissen
first impression by Ivy Dawned
good boss by BC Gov Photos
proofreading by the Italian voice
pyjamas by elvisripley
̈
stand out by madchenkrawall
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