Job Search

COVER LETTERS

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COVER LETTERS

YOU = the Product Sell yourself Like a product or a service

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Reader Analysis

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COVER LETTERS

Reader Analysis Reader = unknown Readers = several Readers = different backgrounds Readers =

personnel office staff department managers

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COVER LETTERS

Reader Analysis What criteria will they use to evaluate your

credentials? How much/little do they want in the letter? What main points will they be hunting for in

your resume?

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COVER LETTERS

Readers:

(1) Read Job Letters in Stacks your letter = 1 in a pile of letters

(2) Tired at the end of a busy day at home impatient (with flowery wording)

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COVER LETTERS

Readers:

(3) Impatient they want fast & easy data retrieval

page design they do not want flowery wording they do not want hard-to-read FONT size/type

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COVER LETTERS

Readers:

(4) Picky Grammarians expect quality writing expect proofreading

no typographical errors no silly mistakes

expect solid use of language quality of writing = quality of work

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COVER LETTERS

Readers:(5) Want Attention-Grabbers Don’t

use slickness OR gimmicks Do

be tasteful, reserved, professional attach a business card stationary =

white, off-white fonts =

traditional size & type white space =

properly used

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ABC Format

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COVER LETTERS

Organization = ABC format

A

B

C

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COVER LETTERS

ABC: Abstract Apply for a specific job

state the position title Refer to your source regarding the job

opening friend colleague newspaper advertisement their Web site

Briefly state how you can meet the employer’s main needs

your qualifications

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COVER LETTERS

ABC: Body Specify your understanding of the employer’s

main needs Highlight qualifications from your resume that

address these needs only “highlight” do not repeat everything that’s on the resume

Avoid mentioning your weak points or deficiencies

Keep the Body paragraphs short 6 or fewer lines

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COVER LETTERS

ABC: Body Use bulleted or numbered lists to draw

attention to 3 or 4 main points Maintain the “you” point-of-view KISS

be clear & concise use clear prose

Remain professional Develop a unity & coherence (flow) to your

letter

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COVER LETTERS

ABC: Conclusion Tie the letter together with a main theme or

selling point as in a “sales letter”

Refer to your attached résumé Explain how & when the readers can contact

you to schedule an interview

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COVER LETTERS

PLEASE NOTE: Despite the ABC format, Cover Letters are still letters

NOT memos So design them as letters

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COVER LETTERS

PLEASE NOTE: So design them as “business letters”

Block, Semi-Block, Modified-Block style < http://www.career-tools-hq.com/cover-letter-format.html >

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COVER LETTERS

PLEASE NOTE: So design them as “business letters”

Contact information Your name, address, & contact info Recipient’s name, address, & contact info

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COVER LETTERS

PLEASE NOTE: So design them as “business letters”

Salutation: Proper Title + Full Name + Job Title: To Whom It May Concern: colon, not comma

No headings Closing Remark:

Sincerely, Respectfully,

Don’t forget

to sign it!

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Writing Process

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COVER LETTERS

1. SELL YOURSELF determine & tout your qualifications

2. Complete a Reader Analysis know your readers

3. Follow the ABC Format

4. KISS

5. Keep it Professional

6. Proofread!