Cover LettersSeptember 23, 2013

Overview

4 main purposes:1. Introduction to you and your skills, as well as how

those skills can contribute to the organization2. Explains which job you’re interested in and why3. Convinces the reader you’re qualified by going into

more detail about experiences highlighted in your résumé

4. Provides opportunity to request interview??

Opening Paragraph

What belongs in the first paragraph?• How you heard about the opening• Contacts who have referred you• The job you’re applying to• Why you’re interested in the job

• Relate this to something you know about the company/organization!

Body Paragraphs

Should be 1-2 body paragraphsWhat to say?0Examples of why you’re qualified for the job

0 Stay on topic – for example, one paragraph can focus on work experience and one on education

0 Give more detail than can be provided on a resume0 Be as SPECIFIC as possible. “I have strong collaborative

skills” is not specific enough!0Look at example pg. 598

Closing Paragraph

0What do you write?0 Thank the reader0 Provide contact information for follow-up (“If you have

any questions…”0 Ask for an interview depending on the situation.

Video cover letters?!

0Check out this video cover letter, and tell me what you think Alison does well and what she could work on:

0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSN08pOrmsE

Sample Cover Letters

0Review the sample cover letters on pp. 600-601. Discuss the following questions with the person next to you:0 How does the writer describe how he/she found the job

opening?0 How does the writer organize the paragraphs?0 Is the writer specific enough about his/her work

experiences?0 How does the writer word his/her request for an

interview? Do you find this appropriate?0 How would you describe the tone of these letters?0 What could be improved in these letters?

Activity

1. Get into groups of three.2. I will hand you a job ad and resume. Read them carefully.3. Write a cover letter applying to the job in question, using

the resume you’ve been provided. (Pretend you are the person whose resume I’ve given you). This cover letter should be considered an email cover letter. (In other words, the job ad has asked you to submit a resume via email).

4. When complete, email the cover letter to me. You do *not* actually have to attach a resume. In the subject line of the email, please write the names of your three group members.