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Cover Letters and Applications

Cover Letters

1/3 will always read cover letters

1/3 will read cover letters if it catches their attention

1/3 will never read cover letters

Will an employer really read your cover letter?

According to research…

Cover Letter Magic 4th Edition by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

Just like your résumé, your cover letter

is extremely important

because it is another 1st impression!

No Rules…Just Strategies!

Cover Letters are

“SITUATION DEPENDENT”

Cover Letter Magic 4th Edition by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

4 Types of Cover Letters:

1. The Application Letter 1. Responds to a known/advertised job opening

2. The Prospecting (Cold/Warm Calling) Letter

1. Inquires about possible positions

1. The Networking Letter

1. Requests a recommendation or information

2. The Referral Letter

1. Uses a name-dropping tactic

Key Components

BE CLEAR What type of position are you

interested in?

SHOW VALUE What value can you bring to the

organization?

Remember to use specific examples to make your case!

1. Identify your key strengths and accomplishments

2. Research the company to see (and be able to explain) how you will be an asset

3. Develop strong summary statements

Foundations

Cover Letter Formats

Standard Business Paragraph Gives all of your information in a

cordial letter style

Cover Letter Formats

Skills and Qualification Comparison

Highlights what the employer is looking for and how you can fill that need

Cover Letter Formats

Bulleted Center Paragraph

Puts more focus on the information you want the reader to remember

A cover letter should COMPLEMENT, not DUPLICATE

your resume.

• Explain why you’re interested in their organization

• Identify your most relevant skills/experiences

• Express interest and knowledge about the position and company

Cover Letter Writing 101

• The Opening: Why I’m

Writing You

• This is an overview, details are for the 2nd paragraph

• Grab the reader’s attention, just like writing an essay

• Don’t be boring or typical

• Zero in on why you’re the best candidate; highlight the

aspects of your experience and character that set you apart

Typical: “I am writing to express interest in the

Housekeeping position posted on the

Michigan Works Website.”

Better: “With a proven track record of exceeding

employers’ expectations in a 10+ year career,

I am confident that I would be a perfect fit for

the Housekeeping position posted on the

Michigan Works Website.”

• The 2nd Paragraph – Why I’m the

Best Candidate

Cover Letter Writing 101

List key qualifications

Pull these directly from the job description

Show that you have what they need

Use specific experiences/accomplishments

Provide evidence to support your examples

Be clear, brief, and factual

Don’t repeat your résumé

Cover Letter Writing 101

Cover Letter Writing 101

• The Final Paragraph: The Hook

• Short, 2-4 sentence paragraph

• Quickly remind the reader of your company knowledge

and how you’ll contribute to the bottom line

• Thank the reader for their time and attention

• Request an interview

• Make sure to leave a positive impression of yourself

Passive: “I look forward to hearing from you.” Assertive: “I look forward to interviewing with you and will follow up next week to schedule a time that is convenient.”

Remember the 3 “P’s”

POLISH

PROOFREAD

PERFECT

7 Elements of a Highly

Effective Cover Letter

By Jimmy Sweeney, Author of “Amazing Cover Letter Creator”

1. Address your cover letter to a real person.

2. Open with an attention-grabbing first

sentence.

3.Remember: Less is more

4.Focus on what YOU can do for the employer

5. Choose words that show

enthusiasm and passion

6. Request one action: an interview

7. End your cover letter with

something enthusiastic and

significant

Effective cover letters

take work…

But the payoff

is worth it!

1st Step to Completing Applications Effectively:

Arrive prepared with the

information and tools you need!

Completed Sample Application/Fact Sheet

References with Contact Information

Professional Résumé Erasable Pen

Read the application completely BEFORE writing on it

Follow the directions EXACTLY

Print neatly using blue or black ink

Submit all requested information—leave no blanks.

Write “Does Not Apply” or “NA” for Not Applicable

Tailor your answer to the job you are seeking

Application Basics

Job Title and Salary:

• Use a specific job title

• If you don’t have the title, use a title or description that most closely describes the position you are applying for.

• Never write “anything.”

• Availability – Possible answers: “immediately” or “2 week notice required”

• If the salary or hourly wage is not given, list desired salary as “negotiable” or “open to discussion”

Work History / Experience: • Usually asks for job title, company name and information, and dates of employment.

• Be as accurate as possible; make sure dates don’t conflict.

• Don’t say “See résumé!”

• Reason for Leaving – Use positive phrases

• Examples: to take a job with more responsibility, moved, seasonal, business closed, job/contract ended, laid off, returned to school, career change, etc.

• Avoid negative words: absenteeism, fired, quit, tardiness

Work History / Experience:

• List special skills, experience, and/or

training needed for the position

• Match employer needs vs. your skills

• Highlight club activities, volunteer work,

or organizations you belong to that relate

to the job

• Talk to your references before using

them. Keep your reference list updated.

• Not following directions

• Misspelled words

• Crossed out writing

• Incomplete work history or large unexplained gaps

• Wrinkled/messy application form

• Not applying for a specific position

• Not printed

• Overlapping/conflicting employment dates with no explanation

• Application not turned in by deadline

• Use of “red flag” words

• Forgetting to sign the application

Your completed application is a

reflection of you.

Make it a good one!

Like what you saw?

We hope you found this information helpful. Check us out

at www.miworksmo.org.

• Give us any questions/comments/concerns

• See our workshop schedule

• Learn more about Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana