3. No longer one style
Solicited, unsolicited, broadcast
Format – 3 paragraph vs. list
Boringis out!
Customization is a MUST
OVER 85% OF EMPLOYERS SURVEYED SAY
THE COVER LETTER IS IMPORTANT OR VERY IMPORTANT!
4. COVER LETTERS
Should be personalized
Look professional
Target your skills
8. Dear Mr. Tucker (kid is networked or informed enough to directly address
the hiring manager, nice)
Application for director (hiring manager gets what this letter is about)
I am writing to apply to be the new Director of the National Railway Museum.
I am only 6 but I think I can do this job. (Acknowledge surface limitation, but
immediately discount it, and boldly assert competence and confidence)
I have an electrick train track. I am good on my train track. I can control 2
trains at once. (Demonstrable and relevant skills. Indicates passion for the
work as well. Two trains at once in not easy)
[PHOTO]
I have been on lots of trains including Eurostar and some trains in France.
(Interest and expertise in the field) I have visited the museum before.
(Familiarity with the business) I loved watching the trains go round on the
turntable. (Humanizes and connects at an emotional level)
On the other side is a picture of me.
Hopefully I can come and meet you for an interview. (Asks for the interview)
9.
10.
11.
12. I am writing in
regard to the
position of
________ at
_________.
13. Dear Dave,
I call you that because I feel I’ve known you for years.
Dear Mr. Todd:
I would like to aply for the position of editoral asistent
Dear Mr. Todd:
My mother told me I should …
Dear Mr. Todd:
You don’t know me, but …
Dr. Mr. Todd:
Your company appears to be violating the Equal
Opportunities Amendment and to help you rectify the
situation, I would like to…
14. “Please accept
this resume in
response to the “With over 10 years of
profit-driven project
______ position management experience, I
advertised on the feel I would be an ideal
candidate for the ______
Minnesota Works position advertised on the
job bank…” Minnesota Works job bank.”
15. Whiz of a Sales Executive: I was born knowing about
selling the sizzle, not the steak. An executive risk
taker, I drive business to the next level. Application of
enthusiastic confidence generates new customers
and competitively positions products. I consistently
overcome obstacles and generate product loyalty
while increasing company’s profits and global market
recognition
16.
17. How have I evolved over the course of my career?
What specific and general contributions have I made to
each employer I’ve worked for, as well as my field as a
whole?
What vision do I hold for my career and field?
What are my brand attributes (adjectives to describe
accomplishments, skills, etc.)?
What are my professional goals?
18. My experiences in office administration and
client services have equipped me with a
multitude of skills including office management,
business operations, and exemplary customer
service. I am confident that my application of
these and my many other skills would be an
asset to your company.
19. Integrity. Innovation. Initiative. If you have these
qualities in mind for the position of _____ then I
suggest we meet to discuss the numerous
qualifications I would bring to your organization.
With my demonstrated track record of
successfully directing pharmacy operations and
introducing initiatives that directly impacted the
bottom line, I am confident that I would be an
excellent fit for the position at _________.
22. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY:
“I am an excellent candidate for this position and I look
forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can
contribute to your company”
State your interest in the job!
“Sarah is a very valuable asset to the
work force center. She is knowledgeable,
energetic and is a great teacher. She
works well with all types of people
assisting them to secure a job in this tight
market.” WorkForce Center Client
23. ALWAYS END BY:
Thanking them for their time and stating
your next move “I will call you on May 3rd”
or “I will contact you next week” or “You
can expect to hear from me by May 3rd”
Shows you will take charge and take the lead
If you say you will, you better!
24. COVER LETTER OOPS…
“Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from
you shorty!”
27. July 8th, 2012
Mr. John Smith
Alco, Inc.
217 West Street
Johnson, VA 24132
Dear Mr. Smith:
Enclosed find a copy of my resume. Please consider me for the position of
welder that was advertised in the Roanoke Times and World News.
I believe I am qualified for your position. I have six years of welding experience
in an industrial setting. Furthermore, I am a very dependable worker as shown
by the fact that I have only missed two days of work in the last five years.
Finally, I am available to work any shift at any of your three plants.
I look forward to hearing from you. I can best be reached after 3:00 p.m.on
weekdays and anytime on weekends.
Sincerely,
Andrew S. Jones
28. Check your spelling and grammar
Hiring is NOT the same as
highering or hiering
Fast paced is NOT the same as:
face paced or fast paste
The abbreviation for Assistant is
ASST not…
Be sure you have addressed it to
the right person
No: Sir or Madam
Be specific – do some research
29. Have letter proofread
More eyes the better!
You will read over your mistakes
Be sure you are referencing the right position/company
Sending a letter to 3M that says Douglas Machines… oops!
Sign it
Actual signature
Electronically – different font
Send it
In person, mail, email, fax
Hinweis der Redaktion
Opening ParagraphHere is my resume This is the job I am applying forThis is how I know about the jobSecond ParagraphI am qualifiedHere is whya general summary of your work experience and education. Detail specific parts of your experience, education, and talents that are most related to the job.Optional ParagraphWhy your organization?Last ParagraphLooking forward to hearing from youHere is how to reach memention your availability for an interview thank the employer for his/her consideration.
Make sure that you’re cover letter heading matches your resumeSame font, etc. And use the same paperPhone number – be sure you have it on or check messages (and appropriate)
Date, name & address at top leftName & address of person writing toAvoid general greetings
Who uses the first line? EVERYONE!Isn’t the point of a job search to stand out from the crowd, not get lost in the midst of it?Try something like this… it is similar to a branding statement – but rather a branding opening line2nd one:Addresses the companies need for a bottom-line driven project manager, shares years of experience, and hits the job title on the dot 3 big points in the first line!
Including a quote from a former employer is relevant and hard-hitting. A great way to “sell” what you’re capable of accomplishing for an organizationIf the employer has a specific requirement in their job ad and you’ve already done that somewhere else and have a great recommendation or quote from a previous supervisor to back it up – WOW – there really isn’t better sales/marketing material than that. Not much can beat a quote about your results
Also be sure to include your contact information so they can reach out to you.
Keep the closing professional, polished and concise – you don’t want to appear desperate or unprofessional
Cover letter is like the big picture… there are many more details underneath (in the resume)… the big picture captures your initial interest so you want to take a closer look – then you see so much more in the resume… and you want to know even more so an interview is scheduled!
