Column 1
In a cover letter, how many paragraphs should there be?
3-4 paragraphs
What goes in the beginning of a cover letter? (Hint: there are 4 things)
Your contact information, address, name of the company, and the name of the hiring manager.
Is it okay to use the same cover letter for different jobs?
No — it should always be customized to reflect the job description and company.
What is a cover letter and what is its function?
A formal letter that goes with your resume, and it's used to introduce yourself to employers to convince them you're the right person for the job
Should you talk about how working for the company is going to add experience to your resume? Why?
No. You need to show how you're going to contribute to the company and not how the company is going to contribute to your career and help you grow.
Tell me 2-3 things that a cover letter SHOULD do.
1. Accompany your resume.
2. Illustrate more of your personality than your resume.
3. Communicate skills and highlight qualifications directly relevant to sought out job.
What is a personal statement
A personal statement is a written piece where you express who you are, your goals, experiences, and motivations—usually in the context of applying for something like:
How long should a cover letter be
One page
What format do you use to end the cover letter?
Sincerely,
<Sign your name here>
Name
In which part of the cover letter should you include the position you are applying for?
In the introduction. (first paragraph)
Why do you need to tailor the letter to the job?
This ensures that all your skills and experiences you highlight are CLEARLY connected to the job you're applying for
Common cover letter mistakes (Name at least 3)
Is "name dropping" okay in a cover letter?
Yes, if someone referred you or indicate how you have had exposure to the company
This common phrase — “To Whom It May Concern” — is best replaced with this.
“Dear [Name of Hiring Manager]" or "Dear Hiring Manager"
Example of an overused personal statement topic:
"FROM A YOUNG AGE I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN..."
"___ IS A VERY CHALENGING AND DEMANDING CAREER...
"FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I HAVE BEEN FASCINATED WITH.. "
What is a good way to show you've done company research?
Mention specific values, projects, or goals of the company and explain how they align with your interests or experience
What you SHOULD do in a personal statement (Name at least 3)
Be positive
Explain “Why them?”
Seek faculty advice early & listen to it carefully
Namedrop appropriately
Stress the “fit” between you and the program
What you hope to gain/add to the program
SHOW THEM WHO YOU ARE WITH EXAMPLES
To meet expectations, the body of the cover letter should contain _____, _____, & _____ that qualify you for the position.
Skills, education, experience
What should the 3rd paragraph of a cover letter include/do? (hint 3 things)
A thank you to the employer/hiring manager
Casually inform the employer of your interests and availability for an interview
How to get in touch with you
What you should NOT do when writing a personal statement (Name 3)
DO NOT TELL THEM WHAT YOU THINK THEY WANT TO HEAR
DO NOT WRITE A RESUME
DO NOT USE 50 WORDS WHEN 5 WILL DO
DO NOT FORGET TO PROOFREAD
DO NOT USE BAD GRAMAR OR MISPELLED WORDS
DO NOT BE INSINCERE
DO NOT SAY, "I WANT TO SAVE THE WORLD," BUT HAVE NOTHING THAT BACKS THAT UP.
NOT DRAMATIC
DO NOT USE OVERLY SAD OR PERSONAL STORIES, OR JOKES
DO NOT USE THE SAME ESSAY FOR EVERY SCHOOL
Is it okay to use “I” in a personal statement?
Yes — it’s your story, and using “I” is expected and appropriate.
What is the name of the person from the cover letter example shown on the slideshow?
Anita A. Jobb
You should address your cover letter to this person whenever possible.
the hiring manager
Things to think about when writing personal statements for graduate school:
(Name 3)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO STUDY IN GRADUATE SCHOOL?
WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY?
WHY DID YOU WANT TO STUDY IT AND WHY DO YOU WANT TO STUDY IT THERE?
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WITH YOUR DEGREE ONCE YOU HAVE IT?
Steps to writing a personal statement (Hint: there are 6 steps)
Brain storm
Create the draft
Get feedback
Revise & Rewrite
Review & Rewrite again
Final Edit