Career and Financial ManagementCover Letter Writing

Writing a Cover LetterLesson Objectives1. Identify the purpose of writing a cover

letter.2. List the parts of an effective cover

letter.3. Describe qualifications and

accomplishments in an effective cover letter format.

What is a Cover Letter?A letter that introduces an applicant and the applicant’s résumé to a potential employer

Explains why the applicant would be a good match for the potential employer

Importance of a Cover Letter Demonstrates professionalism and initiative Expands main points from résumé Goes in-depth about experience and skills Shows employer a glimpse of the

applicant’s personality Opportunity to show company and industry

knowledge Provides a sample of written

communication skills

Ultimate GoalThe main purpose of writing a cover letter is to get a job interview!

Preliminary ResearchResearch the following topics: General job information Desired qualifications and skills Key values and words

Sources of information Job advertisement Corporate website Current employees

The Bottom Line Research

Write Introduce

Interview

General Formatting Guidelines Follow a business letter format Single-spaced One page in length Standard margins (1”) Paragraphs aligned to the left of the page Spaces between paragraphs Centered in the middle of the page Signed in ink

Cover Letter PartsFour main parts Heading Introduction Argument Closing

Jacqueline S. Smith1234 Main Street • Lincoln, NE 18888

570.555.5555 • j.smith@email.com

10/31/13

Ms. Gina McDonaldExecutive Vice PresidentWhite, Case, & Smith321 Mission Rd.Lincoln, NE 18888

Dear Ms. McDonald:

I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska.

Through challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith.

I am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline S. Smith

Jacqueline S. Smith

Heading

Introduction

Argument

Closing

HeadingYour contact information Full address, email address, and phone

numberDateEmployer information Name and job title of recipient Company name and full addressThe heading should match the résumé’s format

HeadingJacqueline S. Smith

1234 Main Street • Lincoln, NE 18888570.555.5555 • j.smith@email.com

10/31/13

Ms. Gina McDonaldExecutive Vice PresidentWhite, Case, & Smith321 Mission Rd.Lincoln, NE 18888

Introduction Salutation Applicant introduces self Explains the purpose of the letter and

how they learned about the position/company

Includes job code or number if requested

IntroductionDear Ms. McDonald:

I would like to be considered for the Legal Assistant position offered at White, Case, & Smith. I learned of this opportunity through the Lincoln Career Fair at the University of Nebraska.

Argument Highlights qualifications and how

applicant fits the company Emphasizes interest in the company Provides evidence why applicant is best

person for the position

ArgumentThrough challenging leadership positions, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility, effective interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to teamwork, even in high-pressure environments. As a Resident Assistant, I successfully resolved conflicts among residents, planned social and educational programs while serving as a positive role model for my peers. With my background in liberal arts, business and leadership, I am confident that I can make a profound contribution to White, Case, and Smith.

Closing Explains future actions of applicant Notes any documents included with the

cover letter

ClosingI am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for your review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline S. Smith

Jacqueline S. Smith

Heading

The Bottom Line

Introduction

Argument Closing

Cover Letter

Writing a Cover LetterOne of the most challenging documents to write Must write about yourself without

sounding selfish or self-centered

How can you help the company?“I have four years of experience in sales.”

OR

“Your company will benefit from my four years of sales experience, during which I met or exceeded all sales quotas.”

Addressing Your Cover Letter Address letter to a specific individual Increases the chance it will be reviewed

by the company If no name is provided:

Call the company to ask for more information

Visit the human resources office Avoid “To Whom It May Concern”

IntroductionSalutation “Dear Sara:” Too informal “Dear Mr./Ms. _______:” If unsure of the person’s gender, use full

name “Dear Pat Jones:”

The Opening Paragraph Introduces self and states purpose for

writing Explains how you know the employer

Name drop if applicable Explains why you are interested in the

company States the type of job you are seeking

The Argument Considered the “Sales Pitch” Focuses on the applicant’s qualifications

for the job Highlights 2-4 accomplishments that

match the company’s needs Write in paragraph form, bullet points, or

as a T-letter

Argument Samples

T-LetterCover letter style that compares an applicant's qualifications with an employer's requirements in a two-column format.

T-Letter

The Closing Shows gratitude toward the reader Explains the next step in the process

Active Closing: indicates the applicant will call to request a meeting or interview More interviews

Passive Closing: requests that the reader call the applicant Higher quality interviews

Combination of active and passive closing

Closing Examples: ActiveMy résumé and transcript are enclosed for your evaluation. I will contact you on the week of August 30th to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my qualifications for the Marketing position. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Closing Examples: PassiveEnclosed is my résumé for your review. I am enthusiastic about the position and look forward to hearing from you. You may reach me at 607.555.1234. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Closing Examples: CombinationI am confident in my ability to make a positive contribution to your company. Enclosed is my résumé for you review. I will call next week to request an appointment or you may reach me at the contact information above. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Cover Letter Reminders Make NO mistakes Be friendly and professional Print on quality paper Be clear about the reason for writing Be brief and direct Customize the letter Sell yourself Always thank the recipient for their time

The Bottom LineEffective Cover Letter

Introduction• Specific

Argument• Paragraph• Bullets• T-Letter

Closing• Active• Passive• Combination

Writing a Cover Letter Sending a Cover Letter

Differentiate between networking, application, and prospecting cover letters.

Describe how to appropriately format an electronic cover letter.

Portfolio Activity: Writing a Cover Letter Identify the purpose of creating a career portfolio. Write a cover letter which can be sent to a

potential employer. Evaluate performance through the use of a

rubric.