Cover Letters
What is a cover letter?
A document that presents YOU to potential employers: jobs or internships
What is a goal of a cover letter?
Show the employer you can communicate effectively; Explain how your experiences/skills relate to the job/internship you want and will help you help the employer; Motivate the employer to read your resume; Be invited for an interview
How do you address your letter?
Dear _______
How should you contact the employer after you've sent your documents?
By email or phone
T/F --Your cover letter should make you stand out
T
What does a cover letter highlight?
the skills, abilities, and accomplishments on your resume
True or False: Cover Letters motivate employers to read your resume.
True
How many pages should the cover letter be?
1-page
What should you do if the employer has not received your documents?
Offer to resend; Double check the address; Offer to drop off in person.
Where is the heading found?
At the top of the cover letter
How many paragraphs should a cover letter be? (at least)
3
Cover letters explain how your __________ relate to the job/internship you want and will help you help the employer
experiences/skills
How should you send your cover letter?
As a PDF with a signature.
How many days should you wait before contacting the employer?
Answers vary
What should you do before writing the cover letter?
Read the ad; Research the company
What is included in the first paragraph?
The position you are applying for; How you heard about the job/internship; How the job/internship aligns with your career goals, training, and education
Cover letters should: A. Provide a sense of who you are B. List qualifications C. List experiences D. All of the above
D- All of the above
What type and size of font should be used?
Size 12, Times New Roman
If you do a follow-up phone call, what should you confirm with your employer?
Did they receive the documents
Who should review your cover letter?
Mentor; Writing Center; Career Services
In the conclusion, thank the reader for their ____ and ____.
time and consideration
What is the ULTIMATE goal of a cover letter?
Be invited for an interview
What should accompany the cover letter?
Your resume.
After the employer has said they have received your documents, what should your next question(s) be?
If they've had time to review them or if they are setting up interviews
Give an example of an entire heading
Karl M. Jones 900 N. 7th St. Apt. 6 Lafayette, IN 47904 765-123-4567 kmjones123@gmail.com June 9, 2009 Alex Carson Manager, A & D Industries 1437 State Route 26 Lafayette, IN 47904 765-891-1011