Writing Cover Letters 9/4/2015

Announcements• Feeder 3 (Cover letter) Draft due Wednesday 9/9)• Final of Feeder 2.2 due Friday 9/11). • Interviews will be on 9/22, 9/23, 9/28, 9/29. Sign up sheets

available asap.

Writing the Cover Letter• From the UCS Website on the purpose of cover letters:

Cover Letters: • Capture the recruiter's attention and help differentiate you

from other candidates• Identify the internship or job title for which you want to be

considered• Indicate how you learned about the position (e.g., University

Career Services, employee referral, organization website, professional association)

• Highlight 1-3 qualifications that are related to the internship or job

• Demonstrate a sincere interest in a particular employer and position

• Always send a cover letter• Print on quality paper• Try to find a person and title to send it to (or, as Dr. Geil would

say, cyberstalk your future employer)• Keep it to one page• Try to avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with the

word “I.”• Proofread

Tips

What should my letter look like? • As representatives from Career Services are going to be the

ones conducting your interview, I would suggest sticking to what they advise regarding construction of your over letter. Let’s go over how they advise to set it up:

• 1. Attention• 2. Interest• 3. Fit• 4. Follow-up

• Let’s look at a sample cover letter.

Paragraph #1

Dear Mr. Jones: Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Gibbs from your Marketing Department at an International Careers Networking Night at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I am a student. Ms. Gibbs suggested I contact you regarding my interest in working at one of the resorts or overseas properties owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

• Indicate your reason for writing• Specify the position for which you are applying• State how you found the position• Include any prior contact with the employer or employees

ATTENTION

Paragraph #2

I am looking for an entry-level career opportunity in the hospitality industry and the Hilton Hotels Corporation is one of the leaders in the industry with a national reputation of excellent customer service. From my own personal experience, I know that Hilton Hotels provides impressive and high quality service to guests. It is my desire to make a difference for people as they travel, and I want to be a part of the best in the business.

• Mention why you are interested• Organization, position, products or services• Number one detail left out• Do your research and show it off• What makes that employer unique?

INTEREST

Paragraph #3

From my attached resume you will note that I have direct experience in the fields of restaurant management and public relations in both the United States and Brazil. My educational background in International Studies, which includes proficiency in Spanish and French, and my study abroad experience, will allow me to communicate effectively with both co-workers and customers. Additionally, I have been involved with and taken leadership roles in a couple of organizations on campus, one in public relations and one in international, which have strengthened my skills in the areas of supervising, organizing, and planning.

• Why are you the right person for the position?• Discuss your education and experience in broad general terms• Focus on skills you have gained• What do you bring to the employer?

FIT

Paragraph #4

I am confident that I have the talents and background to make a difference for Hilton and its customers. I would like to discuss my qualifications at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by email at student@email.unc.edu, or by phone (123) 456-7890. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joe A. StudentJoe A. Student

• Say you will follow up• To make sure they received your materials• To arrange a mutually beneficial time to meet• To schedule and interview

• Thank them for their time and consideration• Use Sincerely• ALWAYS SIGN YOUR LETTER!

FOLLOW UP

Group Activity: The Awful Cover LetterWork together in your groups to write a critique: • 1 Paragraph summarizing your impressions of the cover letter

(be professional)• -1 paragraph containing at least 5 practical tips for improving

the cover letter.• -Post your group’s critique in the FORUMS.