CH24: Cover Letters

Power Letters - This seems to be the biggest challenge in a job search - But the letters you write during a job hunt are the most important

Types: - Cover Letter - Thank you Letter or letter of appreciation - Network letter - Acceptance letter - Rejection letter - Letter of resignation

Basics: - Minimum of 3 paragraphs - Paragraph 1: Why are you writing? - Paragraph 2: Why employers should call you back - Paragraph 3: Contact information

Tips: - Write original letters - no form letters - Address it to a specific person, if you do not know who, call to get name and proper spelling - Utilize appropriate titles - Keep it to one page - check spelling, language, grammar and abbreviations - Have someone proofread - Eliminate the word "I" - PS can be effective if used correctly - typed letters only - utilize stationary that matches your resume - Date and sign - Type the envelope as well

Basic Parts of a Letter: - Personal Identification - Date - Inside Address - Salutation - Opening Paragraph - Body Paragraph - Closing Paragraph - Signature - Enclosure (or Enc: Resume) - cc: always send to someone who is mentioned

Cover Letter: - Is used everytime you mail your resume to an employer, reference, business associate, or friend - It introduces you, explains the purpose of your writing and highlights your capabilities

Guidelines - Attach an original TYPED letter to every resume you mail - Address each letter to a specific individual and use correct courtesy and job titles - Make sure you spell their name right - Establish a bond with the reader in the first paragraph - Share your accomplishments. Then support claims with evidence. - Keep the letter short - Date and sign every letter - Mail copies of the letter to everyone mentioned - Ask for the interview - Include information on how you prefer to be contacted

Disclaimer: These are MY notes taken from classroom lectures while I'm in the classroom. While I'm perfectly happy to share my notes with my classmates and I know I take very good notes, you should still make every effort to attend the class and TAKE YOUR OWN NOTES. I will not transcribe everything the instructor says in the classroom, and I will NEVER post pre-exam reviews. My notes will not replace the value of actually attending class and taking your own class notes.I also cannot attest to their accuracy, other than they are what was provided in the lecture; you should not reference my notes as "expert opionion" by any means, and if you notice an error or omission, please do me the favor of e-mailing me with the correction and I will re-post my notes. End of Disclaimer.