How many paragraphs should there be and what should be in each one?
3-4 paragraphs: first paragraph introduces you and explains how you found out about the job and which position , 2-3 explains why you're interested and how you are fit for the job (give employer a reason to be interested in you), and the last lays down the groundwork for further contact
100
1. 6 items you need to include in the letter about yourself
2. 6 items you need to include about the employer
1. Name, address, city, postal code, telephone, and email
2. Name, job title, company name, address, city, and postal code
100
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
100
Identify 5 reasons why this cover letter is TERRIBLE
1. No name or personal info
2. Switches from different fonts and sizes
3. No introduction
4. Too short
5. Very unprofessional
200
This is a very common problem in most letters and if you are running into this problem, rearrange your sentences. For example, write "You can reach me...." instead of "I can be reached...."
Over-using the word "I". VERY redundant & irritating for employer to look at
200
Why is the cover letter different from a resume?
The cover letter is used as an opportunity to make a first impression. Employers usually read the cover first so you want to make a great impression with your skills
200
What is an enclosure?
It is used to indicate that you are including something else to your application, like your resume
200
List reasons this a bad example of a cover letter??
1. No personal info (cannot be contacted)
2. Uses first name to address supervisor (very informal)
3. "Don't have any experience" (makes the applicant look bad)
4. Does not give examples of ANY skills or qualifications
etc
300
Why does presentation matter?
Using a font that is easy to read (12 Times New Roman) portrays a clean and organized image to the employer
300
1. How do you address the cover letter?
2. Why should you?
1. Address your cover letter to a specific manager/supervisor (using their name and full title) and make sure the spelling is correct
2. This shows the employer that you put effort into finding more about the company by calling or searching them up, implying that you are serious about the job
300
In a cover, what should you write for the date? The day you completed the letter or the day you hand it in?
The day you hand it in
300
Why is this bad??
1. NO heading
2. Does not address the specific employer
3. TOO many I's!
4. Used bullet points in a traditional cover letter
5. Small errors = Employer will discard your application
6. Unprofessional ending
400
Why research about the company?
This shows your interest and seriousness about the job, and you can tailor your cover letter and REALLY show the employer you could be a good fit
400
What are the 3 mains objectives of a cover letter? (Put sheets away)
1. Introduce yourself, identify which position you're applying for, and explain how you found out about the position
2. Explain with examples: how you're qualified for the position & why you're a good fit
3. Request for an interview & thank employer
400
What size paper is suitable for a cover letter?
8.5 by 11 inch
400
Why is this bad as well??
1.Do not call someone by his or her first name on a resume. This is not a personal letter. Keep it professional.
2. Don’t sound desperate.
3. Check your grammar and your spelling!
4. Don’t use abbreviations. Spell words out!
5. Do not inform them that you are only planning to be there for a short time this doesn’t look good for you.
6. Don’t make yourself seem too busy to work with them. You need to be convenient for them not the other way around.
7. BAD ending
500
Tailor your letter to the job, why?
This ensures that all your skills are experiences you highlight are CLEARLY connected to the job you're applying for
500
What should you not include in your letter? And why?
Slang words and non-conversational phrases. It's important to use professional and respectful language because it shows the employer you went over and edited the letter, and because they seek someone professional and mature
500
Why do you not want to make your letter longer than a page and shorter than half a page?
If your letter is more than a page, you are circling around your points so keep it simple and to the point (you don't want the employer to snooze), but if it's less than half a page, it lacks detail and examples (little to no detail implies that you didn't put effort into it)
500
Why is this a bad example of a cover letter?
1. No postcode in the addresses. This lacks attention to detail.
2 They are applying for a job in Richmond and live in Edmonton but have not given a reason.
3 The applicant assumes ‘Sam’ is a male
4 The name is known, so the letter should not start with ‘Dear Sir’.
5 It is not made clear which position the applicant has applied for. The company may have advertised more than one vacancy.
6 There are lots of spelling and grammatical errors. Always check spellings and read it through.
8 ‘I think that I can make a useful contribution...’ does not sound very convincing. The covering letter should give the recruiter confidence in your ability to do the job.
9 Signing off a letter with ‘Cheers’ is too informal for a job application and lacks professionalism.
10 The applicant has also used an unprofessional contact email address.