SELLING YOURSELF

WITH A COVER LETTER

What is a

cover letter?

Why?

No longer one styleSolicited, unsolicited, broadcastFormat – 3 paragraph vs. list

Boring is out!Customization is a MUST

Evolution of the cover letter

OVER 85% OF EMPLOYERS SURVEYED SAY THE COVER LETTER IS IMPORTANT OR VERY

IMPORTANT!

OVER 85% OF EMPLOYERS SURVEYED SAY THE COVER LETTER IS IMPORTANT OR VERY

IMPORTANT!

COVER LETTERS

Should be personalized

Look professional Target your skills

BUT WRITING A COVER LETTER IS SO HARD…

If a 6 year old can do it…

So can YOU!!

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)

MAKE AN IMPRESSION…

FROM THE START!

ADDRESS YOUR LETTER CORRECTLY

I am writing in regard to the position of ________ at _________.

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…

Disastrous Openings

“Please accept this resume in response to the ______ position advertised on the Minnesota Works job bank…”

“With over 10 years of profit-driven project management experience, I feel I would be an ideal candidate for the ______ position advertised on the Minnesota Works job bank.”

VS

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

Branding Statement

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?

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.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?

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 _________.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

Don’t rehash your resume!Don’t bad mouth your

former employer!

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

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 leadIf you say you will, you better!

COVER LETTER OOPS…

“Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you shorty!”

Are ThereHoles In

Your CoverLetter?

1. Visual impact mistakes2. Style mistakes3. Mismatch mistakes4. Research mistakes5. Grammatical mistakes6. Detail mistakes

1. Visual impact mistakes2. Style mistakes3. Mismatch mistakes4. Research mistakes5. Grammatical mistakes6. Detail mistakes

7. Interest creation mistakes8. Personalization mistakes9. Pre-delivery mistakes10. Post-delivery mistakes11. Employer response

mistakes12. Just plain dumb mistakes

7. Interest creation mistakes8. Personalization mistakes9. Pre-delivery mistakes10. Post-delivery mistakes11. Employer response

mistakes12. Just plain dumb mistakes

12 Common Cover Letter Mistakes

July 8th, 2012

Mr. John SmithAlco, Inc.217 West StreetJohnson, 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

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

All done? Now what?

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

What else?