1. Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER
WORKSHOP
Facilitator Check List
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2. Cover Letter Workshop
CHECK IN
• Introductions of group members
• Individual and group goals for the
workshop
• Ice Breaker
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3. Cover Letter Workshop
ICE BREAKER!!!
Cover Letter Word Search
Training Games
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4. Cover Letter Workshop
OBJECTIVE
• To provide the skills and tools for creating
and preparing your own cover letter.
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5. Cover Letter Workshop
AGENDA
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•
•
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What is a cover letter?
What is the purpose of a cover letter.
Contents of a cover letter?
Why researching the company is so
important.
• Customizing your cover letter.
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7. Cover Letter Workshop
A cover letter is a formal introduction to
your resume and accompanies it when
applying for a job.
Cover Letter Worksheet
Cover Letter Checklist
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Cover Letter Example
8. Cover Letter Workshop
WHAT IS THE
PURPOSE OF A COVER
LETTER?
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9. Cover Letter Workshop
Presents your interest, qualifications,
and availability to the employer
Its YOUR chance to make a good first
impression
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11. Cover Letter Workshop
A good cover letter will prompt an employer
to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume
A bad cover letter or no cover letter is
enough to cause an employer to move on to
the next applicant.
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12. Cover Letter Workshop
TYPES OF COVER LETTERS
Letter of Application
Cover Letter Inquiry
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T-Zone Cover Letter
13. Cover Letter Workshop
CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER
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•
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•
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Headings
Salutation/Greeting
Opening paragraph
Middle paragraph
Closing paragraph
Yours Truly/Sincerely
Signature and enclosure
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14. Cover Letter Workshop
TARGETTING YOUR
COVER LETTER
• Tell the employer why you would be valuable to the
company, how you can deliver results.
• Back up your skills with accomplishment statements
relating to the position and company’s goals from your
past experiences.
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15. Cover Letter Workshop
TARGETTING YOUR
COVER LETTER
• Address the letter to a specific reader
• Include your objective, accomplishments, and your
interest in the position. This shows you took the time to
read and learn about the position.
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17. Cover Letter Workshop
HEADINGS
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Your Heading
Name
Address
City, Province, Postal
Code
Phone number
Date
•
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Companies Heading
Name of Employer
Title of Employer
Name of Organization
Address
City, Province, Postal
Code
Cover Letter
Examples of Branding
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18. Cover Letter Workshop
SALUTATIONS/GREETING
Preferred Salutations
• Dear Mr.
• Dear Mrs.
• Dear Ms.
• Dear Dr.
• Dear Sir or Madam
Alternate Salutations
• Attention: Personal
Manager
• Attention: Name of
Organization
Representative
Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”
Cover Letter
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19. Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER OPENING
• The position you are applying for and the
competition number if given
• Where you saw the posting. Include name and
date of publication
• If you were referred for the position, give the
name of that person
• Express your interest for the position
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20. Cover Letter Workshop
OPENING EXAMPLE
• Please accept my resume in response to the posting for
the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the
Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a long
time customer of ABC Company and knowing your
products and services are ones I can proudly stand
behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your
team. As you will see my experience and qualifications
are a perfect fit for the position.
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21. Cover Letter Workshop
OPENING EXAMPLE
• Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact
you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company
for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly
that my experience and qualifications would be an
excellent fit for your organization.
Cover Letter
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22. Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER BODY
• Why you are suited for the job
• How your skills and qualifications match
the specific job requirements listed in the
add
• Include related experience, training, and
attributes
• Try to list at least 2 examples
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23. Cover Letter Workshop
RESEARCH THE COMPANY
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•
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What makes that company/organization
Why are they there?
Hiring trends/employment needs
The companies history
Desired qualifications and skills
General job information
http://www.google.com
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24. Cover Letter Workshop
BODY CONTINUE
TELL THE READER:
What makes you well suited to the job or company
• How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission,
vision and values of the organization.
• Talk about why you are the right type of person for this
job/team or company
• Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their
employee puzzle.
• Focus on the EMPLOYER
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25. Cover Letter Workshop
BODY EXAMPLE
• I am confident that my experience along with my
educational background and commitment to professional
excellence will enable me to serve both you and your
clients/customers well.
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26. Cover Letter Workshop
BODY EXAMPLE
• I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to
you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys
interacting with others. I take pride in building strong
customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have
been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self
motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment
and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that
my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and
honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position.
Cover Letter
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27. Cover Letter Workshop
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
• Restate your interest in the position and mention how
you will be an asset to the company
• State your interest in meeting with the employer for an
interview to discuss your skills and passion in person
• List your contact information and when you can be
reached to book your interview
• Include your home phone number, cell number and or
email address.
• Include an action/next step informing the employer you
will be in contact with them.
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28. Cover Letter Workshop
EXAMPLES
•
I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my
qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent
references upon request. I can b e reached at 604-555-5555 or by
email at bbarista@anymail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
•
I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I
am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment
opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com.
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29. Cover Letter Workshop
CLOSING PARAGRAPHS
I would like to thank you
for taking the time to
consider my resume. I
am looking forward to
meeting with you to
discuss this employment
opportunity. You can
contact me at 604-5555555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com
I look forward to hearing
from you soon and having
the opportunity to discuss
my qualifications for the
position
Best
Better
OK
I would welcome the
chance to meet with you
to discuss how my
qualifications will exceed
your expectations. I can
provide excellent
references upon request. I
can be reached at 604555-5555 or by email at
bbarista@anymail.com. I
will follow up with a
phone call next week to
discuss things further.
Cover Letter
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31. Cover Letter Workshop
EXAMPLES
Yours Truly,
Sincerely,
B Barista
Barbara Barista
B Barista
Barbara Barista
Enclosure: Resume
Enclosure: Resume
Cover Letter
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32. Cover Letter Workshop
FINAL THOUGHTS
• Know and understand what the employer
is looking for in their applicants
• Research the company, visit there
website, know there mission statement
• Speak to current employees, if possible
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34. Cover Letter Workshop
CHECK OUT
• Closing Activity
• Feedback Forms
• Resource Packages
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!
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Facilitator Notes:
The facilitator checklist is provided for you to make sure you have all items for the presentation.
Facilitator Notes:
Introductions can include name, job positions the individuals are interested in
Goals:
Each member identifies what they want to learn/accomplish in the workshop and shares with the group. Facilitator writes this down in the “Parking Lot” on the board or flip chart.
Definition of Parking Lot:
Ideas and topics are written either on a flip chart or white board by the facilitator and are addressed during the presentation. This allows the group to stay focused and discuss the goals they have set as a group or on a one to one basis. At the end of the presentation return to the “Parking Lot” and review and discuss as a group if the presentation was successful and if their goals were met.
Ice Breaker Definition:
An icebreaker is a short, effective exercise to engage a group. It may be chosen for its message or so members can learn something new about each other. It also can help to nudge "immovable" participants and improve the atmosphere of the group. For example, during introductions, the facilitator might ask each member to share their name, something they like to do in their spare time or what job there interested in.
Cover letter word search: Click on the above link and it will take you to the activity. Divide participants into groups and had them the word search. Ask them to complete the sheet and the group that finishes first is given a prize.
The Little known fact: Ask participants to share their name, where they live and one little known fact about themselves. You can also adapt this game by asking the group to something true or a lie about themselves and the group must guess if it’s true or not.
The training game link is a website that offers other group icebreakers for you to use.
Other links: www.wilderdom.com and www.group-games.com
Key Concepts:
Focus on how participants will successfully complete their cover letter worksheet by the end of the session.
Highlight that they will leave with enough concrete information to get started working on there cover letter.
Options: Group Discussion
Ask the group if they know what a cover letter is and what its used for.
Ask the group why the employer may want a cover letter included with there application package.
Write there answers on the board.
Give a prize to who gets the answer right or who comes the closest to the answer.
Potential answers
Introduction to employers in your own voice (not in point form).
Facilitator Notes:
Click on the link to show the group what a cover letter looks like.
Introduce the group to the cover letter worksheets and click on the link on the left hand side to show the participants a cover letter example.
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think is the purpose of a cover letter?
Write the participants answers on the board
Discussion Helper/Potential answers to the question
To allow employer to hear who you are and what you have to offer in your own voice. (Sentences rather than point form)
To target your application package
To show your interest and fit for that position/company
Sets you apart from the pack of applicants
Shows your communication skills and style ( written)
Show cases your research skills by what you reference/answer the ads
Facilitator notes:
Talk to the group about the importance of making a first impression and presenting there interest and qualifications in the position.
Discussion:
What are first impressions when writing a cover letter?
The layout
Correct spelling
The presentation of the package
Grammar
Your qualifications
Researching the company
Addressing the letter
Activity:
Do’s and Don'ts when writing cover letters Card game.
Optional Activity: Do’s and Don’ts
Participants are put into groups of 2-4 (example) and given a set of cards. participants are asked to put the cards in piles under DO’S and DON’TS. Once the task is completed discuss as a group why they picked them. Explain the importance of what to include and not include in a cover letter.
This activity is used to stress the importance of First impressions when writing a cover letter and how it may come across to a future employer.
Facilitator Notes:
Talk to the group about the different types of cover letters and the importance of understanding the differences between the 3 types.
Show participants the 3 types of letters by clicking on the link in the right hand corner or include as a handout.
Options:
Ask participants what they think should be included in the sections of a cover letter?
Brainstorm with participants and write on board.
Activity:
Facilitator notes:
Discussion:
Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job?
Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this position really a good match for me?”
Ask the question “ why am I struggling.”
Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT”
Facilitator notes:
Discussion:
Ask the participants if they have ever found it really hard or have struggled writing a cover letter for a job?
Ask them if they have ever thought about the position they are applying for and have them think “ is this really position a good match for me?”
Ask the question “ why am I struggling.”
Stop, Rest, and Asses the situation and the position you are applying for. Think of that “GUT CHECK MOMENT”
Optional activities:
Review Game:
Read out parts of a cover letter and have the participants ring a bell when they know the answer. Give each participant a card when they answer correctly. Once they have 3 cards they can pick a prize.
Facilitator notes:
Have participants fill in there headings on there worksheets.
Click on the link in the right hand corner to show examples of matching resume, cover letter and reference sheets. Talk about the importance of branding the cover letter to match the rest of the application package.
Facilitator notes:
Ask the participants what they think are appropriate salutations to use in a cover letter.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Discuss why not to use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN”
Its too generic
Doesn’t show your keen interest or you ability to research the contact person
Discuss HOW to get the contact person
Phone
Internet search
Reverse phone number
Yellow Pages
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the opening paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
ACTIVITY:
Show examples of different opening paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.
DISCUSSION:
the opening paragraph should only be one
Speak to the process of the opening
State it is always the hardest part but you want to create a “HOOK” to peak the readers interest
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the body paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Show examples of different body paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.
DISCUSSION:
Could be more than one paragraph, depending on the position
Examples:
Front line customer service-keep it short.
Management, supervisor, director, etc may be longer.
Facilitator Notes:
Ask the participants why they think its important to research the company.
Ask participants what type of things they should be looking for when researching the company?
DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY
How do you research a company?
Take participants through an example of researching a company: Look at their website, find their mission statement, Find their career section and read the job postings.
Click on the link in the right hand corner to link to Google and search the web for employers that your clients may be interested in applying for.
Example of sites:
SafewayRBC
PCRS Earls McDonaldsRed Robin
StarbucksWalmart
Facilitator notes:
Refer to the slide of researching the company and the importance of understanding what the employer is looking for.
Facilitator notes:
Facilitator notes:
Facilitator notes:
Ask the group what they think should be included in the closing paragraph.
Brainstorm as a group and write on the board.
Activity:
Show or read out loud examples of different closing paragraphs and ask the group if they are appropriate or not.
Notes:
Facilitator is to address the personal goals in the parking lot
Did the participants succeed? Are there any questions left unanswered?
Provide participants with feedback forms to fill out
Pass out packages
Check out activities:
Toy Story
Using Lego's, Tinker Toys, clay, log cabins, etc., have each person or small group build a model of the main concept that they have just been presented. After a given time period, have each person or team present their model to the group. They should describe how their model relates to their work or the subject being taught.Encourage creativity!
Ball-Toss
This is a semi-review and wake-up exercise when covering material that requires heavy concentration. Have everyone stand up and form a resemblance of a circle. It does not have to be perfect, but they should all be facing in, looking at each other. Toss a nerf ball or bean bag to a person and have tell what they thought was the most important learning concept was. They then toss the ball to someone and that person explains what they though was the most important concept. Continue the exercise until everyone has caught the ball at least once and explained an important concept of the material just covered.
Process Ball
This is similar to the above exercise, but each person tells one step of a process or concept when the ball is tossed to them. The instructor or learner, in turn, writes it on a chalkboard or flip chart. For example, after covering "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," you would start the ball toss by having everyone give one step in the pyramid of needs, e.g. Safety, Physiological, Esteem, etc