In Seminar#7 you will learn to write effective cover letters so employers will notice you faster. Using a Cover Letter Checklist to organize content Formatting a Cover Letter Emphasizing what you can do for employers, not what they can do for you 5 Ways to Improve your Cover Letter’s Selling points

2. International Students Job Search
Seminar
Writing
Better

3. AGENDA
In Seminar#7 you will learn to write effective cover letters so employers will
notice you faster.
• Using a Cover Letter Checklist to organize content
• Formatting a Cover Letter
• Emphasizing what you can do for employers, not what they can do for
you
• 5 Ways to Improve your Cover Letter’s Selling points

4. Cover Letter Checklist
Your Content
“Cover Letters tell the story
with examples of
demonstrated skills.”

5. FORMAT FOR COVER LETTER
• Your name, Your phone number and email, Your present address City, State, Zip
• Date
• Mr./Mrs. __________, Title
• Name of Company
• Street Address
• City, State, Zip Code
• Dear Mr./Ms. ________:

6. • Paragraph #1: Statement of Interest
• Express your employment interest by expressing the specific position
you are interested in, and mention how you heard about the
opening. In this introductory paragraph, generate reader interest by
mentioning a personal contact you may have within the company or
research or knowledge you have on the specific company for which
you are applying.

7. • Paragraph #2: Background Summary & Value-Selling Paragraph
• Provide a synopsis of your relevant education and experience. Do not
simply list what is covered in your resume, but do convey to the
employer that you have the appropriate training and education to
support the position for which you are applying. In this paragraph,
incorporate statements addressing the value you can bring to the
hiring organization. Focus on the real needs of the employer as you
explain why you are qualified for the position. Mention specific
qualifications, experiences, or achievements you have that will be
pertinent to the position or match the positions needs.

8. • Paragraph #3: The Call for Action and Statement of Appreciation
• Include a statement that encourages a specific response. Express
interest in an interview, and tell the employer how you can be
reached. Take the initiative to indicate to the employer that you will
be following up with them and that you intend to take action by
calling to determine interest, and, if appropriate, to arrange for an
interview. Close the letter with a simple statement of appreciation for
the employer’s time in reviewing and considering your credentials.

9. Why is this a “STRONG” Cover Letter?
Why this Job? Succinctly & effectively relates
your interest in the job.
Why You? Highlights key skills which indicate
why you are a good candidate for the job.
What format? Professional & easy-to-read
Who referred you? Names a trusted
reference the hiring manager can consult.
How to say it? Integrates key words from the
job description and industry jargon
What tone? Portrays you as qualified, confident
and assertive.
When? Your availability to interview and
timeframe for follow-up
Customized Body of a Cover Letter:
Format for a Professional Job Search Cover Letter:
Your name and
address
Date
Contact’s name,
title, company
and address
Job reference no.
Salutation - call
company for a
name
Heading:
Carrie I. Cansell
9000 Urban Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45200
June 25, 2011
Mr./Ms. Smith, Director
Human Resources Department
XYZ Sports
1300 Niceoffice Place
Cincinnati, OH 45201
RE: Position#12345
Dear Mr. or Ms. Smith,

10. I am very interested in the Marketing Manager position within your group at XYZ Sports. I spoke with Carol Jones about
the position and feel that my 18 months (coop) of conducting qualitative and quantitative market research in the highly
competitive global performance sportswear market at Nike are highly relevant to this position.
At your convenience, I would appreciate the opportunity to talk to you about the position and share more details on my
background. Attached is my resume for your review, but here are the key skills I could bring to the position:
Research Design
Worked with a broad cross-section of constituencies including statisticians, sales, and product design, to design over a
dozen surveys for Internet, phone, and mail use.
Analyze data used to inform management decisions on the promotion, design and pricing of products
Analytical Skills
Maintained competitor model analyzing sales, prices and methods of marketing and distribution Initiative
Pursued an independent project to assess the value of Twitter and Facebook for concept testing
Developed a research model that proved highly effective, saving an projected 17% in annual costs
I am excited about this position because it would enable me to move beyond an internal marketing focus to
coordinating new business development with external partners. I look forward to following-up with you within a week.If
you some immediate information from me, please call at (513) 000-0000 during business hours.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
John Hireme
hiremejn@gmail.com
Enclosure: Resume
cc: Ms. Carol Jones
Signature: name
email, enclosure
courtesy copy
Target to Job:
refer resume,
request an
interview
Selling section:
examples of skills,
achievements and
outcomes of the
actions you took
Closing: show
enthusiasm, you
have goals, and
will follow-up
Keep letter to
one page. Show
only strengths.
Use positive
Statements.
Intro: position,
who/how you
learned of job,
why job fits you

11. Closing:
Sincerely,
Your Full Name (typed or Handwritten Signature)
• Pay special attention to grammar, punctuation, and appearance.
• Focus: What you can do for an employer, NOT what an employer can do for you.
• Be straightforward in your approach.
• If sending cover letter via US mail, be sure to use same quality paper as resume.
• Each letter should be prepared individually for each job if required, DO NOT send
form letters.

12. 3 Things You Need
to Know About
FOR 2018
Is the cover letter dead?
Here is some insight into
what you need to know
about cover letters for
2018, and why some
employers want them.
https://www.careertoolbelt.com/3-things-you-
need-to-know-about-cover-letters-for-2018/

13. Are
Still Necessary in
2018?
Polishing a resume and cover
letter for every job takes time,
and it’s all too common for job
seekers to end up asking, “Do I
even need a cover letter?”
https://www.michaelpage.co.nz/advice/career-
advice/starting-out/are-cover-letters-still-
necessary-2018

14. Job Description for
Construction: Sr.
Analyst, Strategic
Sourcing at Belk
Polishing a resume and cover
letter for every job takes time,
and it’s all too common for job
seekers to end up asking, “Do I
even need a cover letter?”
https://belk.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-
US/Careers-Corporate/job/Charlotte-NC---
Corporate-Office/Sr-Analyst--Strategic-
Sourcing_JR-12854

15. Taryn Abel
Staffing Specialist
Target
7000 Target Parkway N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Dear Ms. Taryn Abel
I am very interested in working for Target as a group leader to be a part of an innovative team working toward
visionary goals. My desire to work for Target began when I found a job post on the recruit website of my university
but also Target has been one of my favorite places to shop, where I can find products with good quality and helpful
service.
In December 2012 I will earn a BA in Classical Civilization from the University of Cincinnati. I bring strong interpreting
skill and look forward to contributing to your group leader at Target. As a member of racial awareness program
called RAPP I learned importance of identity and of accepting people from diverse background. I gained new
perspective and value of working and interacting with people from diverse background. If selected to be Target’s one
of 20-40 members of group leader I will foster an environment in which diverse backgrounds are respected and
valued and inspire my team to achieve desired results in productivity, teamwork, safety, quality, and job knowledge.
I would like to meet with you to discuss my qualification as listed on my enclosed resume. I am available to interview
now. If you have questions or need additional information, I may be reached at 513. 212. 4753 or by email listed
above. Thank you for your time and consideration.
– Little experience

16. Tom Mullaney, Staffing Manager
Mullaney’s Pharmacy
6096 Montgomey Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45213
Dear Mr. Mullaney:
I am highly interested in working for your company as a Pharmacy Technician. I have an
opportunity to see your advertising in the website www.careerbuilder.com since I have
been searching for the Pharmacy Technician job to explore about this career, as a
sophomore student at University of Cincinnati.
In June 2013, I will finish my Pre-Pharmacy major from the University of Cincinnati. In
addition to my education, I have gained valuable part-time jobs’ experience throughout
my years in college as customer service, handling cash register, managing phone calls and
dealing with spontaneous situations.
– Little experience

17. Additionally, as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, I have learnt variable values about
leadership and communication, which would benefit your organization. Besides, I am a
very responsible, patient and organized person who would fit to work well under
instructions as a Pharmacy Technician.
I am enthusiastically looking forward the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my
qualifications for the job. I plan to contact you during the week of October 7 to speak with
you and see if any of my information is needed to provide. Or if you need to contact me
directly, I may be reached at 513-206-0975 or through the e-mail address listed above.
Thank you very kindly for your consideration.
Sincerely,
T. Nguyen
Email: xxxxxxxx@mail.uc.edu
Phone: 513-234-56787
Enclosure: Resume
– Little experience