Cover Letter Workshop

Career Development Centre2012 - 2013

Learning Objectives

• To understand the purpose of a cover letter

• To understand what makes a cover letter effective

• Become aware of the cover letter resources available through the Career Development Centre

Purpose of a Cover Letter

1. Introduce yourself

2. Indicate your reason for sending the letter

3. Demonstrate your interest and suitability

4. Expand on information presented in the resumé and why it adds value to the target job

When do you think the cover letter is

reviewed?

The majority of employers

read the cover letter

after an initial review

of the resumé

3 Types of Cover Letters

1. Responding to a specific job posting2. Referral by another person3. Prospecting (inquiring about potential

positions)

Email as Cover Letter?Best option: include a brief email and

attach your Cover Letter and Resuméin one word document

What Makes a Cover Letter Effective?• Targeted to the job, industry and employer

• Demonstrates suitability, by showing that you know and understand your qualifications as they relate to the job

• Shows the employer you understand how you will make a tangible contribution to the organization

• Focuses on what you will do in the future, on the job; not what you have done in past jobs

This Means You Must:

• Do your homework on the industry and organization, and individually target each application

• Understand the key job requirements

• Know your most relevant qualifications

• Do not simply restate a lot of details from your resumé – expand and connect

• Focus on a few key points, perhaps 4-6 key themes or qualifications (do not try to cover everything)

An Effective Cover Letter

Content

Structure

Appearance

Third

Second

First

Sound Relevant?

Letter Structure

Professional Appearance

First - Appearance

Consistency:between

resumé and cover letter

format

Header:style should match your

resumé

First - Appearance

Keep graphics to a

minimum and inline with your

target audience

First - Appearance

Margins:be consistent

and leave some white

space

Font:selective use

of colour and same

font

Second - Structure

Maximum of one page! (very few exceptions)

50% of Canadian employers prefer a 1 page cover letter while 37% said they would ‘accept’ half a page

Second - Structure

3-5 Paragraphs of Content:

• Opening paragraph – introduction and greeting

• Middle paragraphs – content and connection (3 different options for the middle paragraph layout)

• Closing paragraph – wrap up and follow up

What to Include?• Your contact information

• Date of mailing• Addressee• Reference #• Body of letter• Your name/signature

Structure = Three Layout Options

1. Paragraph Layout

Additional Layout Options2. Bolded Points 3. Skills Match

Third - Content

When you know the name of the addressee:

• Begin with a personal greeting: Dear or To

• Use a proper title: Mr. or Ms. or Dr.

• If you do not know the person’s gender, address the person by their first and last name (do not guess at gender): For example, ToRobin Smith, or, Dear Robin Smith

Third - Content

When you do not know the name:

• Address your letter to a specific position or committee. For example: ‘To the Director of Human Resources’

• Dear Hiring Manager

• Can call the company to discern exact name of screener

• Dear Sir/Madam

• To Whom It May Concern

Keys to the Opening Paragraph• The name of the position

or department

• How you learned of the opportunity (i.e., referral)

• One or two key qualifications to grabemployer’s attention

• *Why you are interested in this position or organization (be brief)

Responding to a Specific Posting

Prospecting

Keeps the ball in his court

Content – The Main Body

This section may contain 2 to 3 paragraphs

What are you trying to do in this section?

•Demonstrate that you know the key components and functions of the job

•Present your relevant and transferable skills and connect them to the job

Content - Connect to the JobTell the reader how your skills will aid you in succeeding at the requirements of the job you are trying to secure

Examples:

Server in Restaurant Seeking Entry-Level Marketing Position

In addition to my marketing coursework, I have employed marketing and customer-service skills in the restaurant field. In my most recent position, I marketed appetizers, desserts, and other add-ons to customers and added value to their dining experience. I would like to apply the same sales savvy and interpersonal skills in the marketing position with your firm.

Content - Connect to the JobTell the reader how your skills will aid you in succeeding at the requirements of the job you are trying to secure:

Examples:

Resident Don Seeking Sales PositionI am very excited about contributing my talents in the field of professional selling. I have heard a number of times that sales skills are taught, and there is no such thing as a natural-born salesperson. I couldn't agree more! I have served as a resident advisor for two years, and I was very surprised at how much selling goes on. I have learned quickly that the more you know about your customer, your product, and how to adapt to each situation, the easier the sale becomes. My success in selling my ideas to residents and administrators makes me an ideal candidate for your training program.

Content Options

Option 1: Organized based on what you offer

Discuss the relevance of your educational and/or training Discuss the relevance of your experiences (paid/unpaid)

Option 2: Organized based on the job demandsExample:• Customer/client management needs of job• Technical/administrative needs of jobDo not repeat specific details and facts from your resumé

Content - Selling QualificationsWhen discussing specific skills/qualifications:• Do not simply list a number of skills and claim to have them

• Do provide relevant, specific examples of key skills• Do indicate that you understand how the key skills are relevant or how they will be used on the job

“My background working with the public has provided me with the skills to effectively manage customer inquiries and relationships. My ability to listen and explain information with clarity and enthusiasm makes the customers feel welcome. This will be a benefit to your organization when you seek to increase repeat customer business.”

Content – Selling EducationMention specific, relevant skills you developed or knowledge you acquired during your training (do not list your courses)

Focus on your applied knowledge and its relevance – do not focus on the fact that you learned something

Do not say “During my studies I learned . . . .”

Instead, say . . . “My knowledge of ___________ (finance or child development, and so on) includes . . . .” or “I understand the importance of _______.”

Content – Selling Experience

When discussing previous work experiences:

Mention specific relevant skills you developed, but do not focus on the exact job where you developed them

For example, if you had previous experience working as an assistant manager at a retail store, you do not need to list the job title and name of the store.You could say . . .

“As a result of my previous experience working in retail managing complaints from the public, I have a solid

understanding . . .”

Content – Closing Paragraph

Avoid being too repetitive, bland or generic

Show your understanding of yourself and the job by selecting insightful points

Summarize 2 or 3 key, unique points

“I am very interested in using my skills in co-ordination and planning, in particular my ability to identify opportunities and generate public interest to assist your team as an . . . .”

Content – Closing ParagraphExpress your interest in meeting with the employer

If you are responding to an advertised position, invite the employer to contact you

If the application was unsolicited – invite the employer to contact you but indicate that you will contact him/her and within a time frame if you don’t hear from them

“I will be in Toronto on Sept 2nd. Would it be possible to arrange an opportunity to meet? I will contact you early next week to arrange a convenient time. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact me.”

Final Tips

• Ensure your letter is error free

• Always target your letter to an organization and a specific job or department

• Your letter should compliment and build from your resumé

• Your letter should reflect you (your style, language and personality)

• Always follow-up on every letter you send

Career Resources

• Resumé Guidebook wlu.ca/career

• Resumé & Cover Letter critiques– in-person, telephone, email or skype

• Resumé & Cover Letter proofreading service

• For quick questions, visit our drop-in, (Monday to Thursdays, 1 – 3 p.m.)

Connect With Us!

519.884.0710 x4495careercentre@wlu.cawlu.ca/career

facebook.com/lauriercareercentrelauriercareercentre.wordpress.comlinkedin.com (Laurier Career Centre group)