COVER LETTERS
THAT DELIVER!
Cover Letters
• Introduce you
• Sell them on you
• Market your skills
• Ultimate goal: Get
them to look at your
resume
Getting Started
• Build an agenda
• Identify what they
are looking for and
match your skills
• Identify 2 or 3
selling points
• Don’t reiterate
resume, add to it
Top of Page
Setting Up
• Block Left Format;
12 pt.; Times or Arial
Only
Bottom of Page
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Typed Name
Your name
Address
Telephone Number
Date
Their Name
Title
Company
Address
City, ST Zip
Dear Ms. So and So:
Enclosure
Paragraph One
• 1st sentence-WHY you are writing and
HOW you heard about it
• 2nd sentence-What you bring to the
position
• Two or three things that make you the
best candidate
• That’s it!!
Example
Please consider me for _________ that
was advertised in the _________. My
_________, ___________, and
_________ (2 or 3 skills) make me an
ideal candidate for this position.
2nd & 3rd paragraphs
• Tell them a story
• Prove that you have what you said in
the first paragraph
• Not only talk the talk, but walk the
walk
Tell Them a Story….
The best
predictor of
future
performance
is what you’ve
done in the
past!
C-A-R Method
Circumstance
Give them background information on the
situation
Example:
As President of Psych Society of the
Psychology Department, I had a goal of
increasing members from 35 to 50 by
the end of our school semester.
C-A-R Method
Actions
What you specifically did
Example:
To achieve this goal, I organized a
team of students to plan activities that
would market the organization.
C-A-R Method
Results
What was the end result or what did you
learn from the experience
Example:
These activities were so successful,
our organization exceeded the goal by
gaining 25 new, active members.
Closing the Letter
•Summarize the key points
•Show enthusiasm for the
position
• Describe how you will follow
up (only if you intend to)
• Thank them for their
consideration
Example
My candidacy offers your staff a wellestablished work ethic, a vision for the
future, and a desire to achieve. With my
experience and enthusiasm, I intend to
inspire those with whom I work.
I will contact your office the week of,
May 2nd, to discuss the possibility of an
interview.
Thank you,
Jon Doe
Helpful Hints
• Watch “I” statements
• Showcase accomplishments and skills
• Write to someone if you can (get the info)
• Proofread Your Wurk; Check Spalling
• If you said you’d follow up- DO IT!!
• Email-What do you think??
• ALWAYS send with job correspondence
A GOOD COVER
LETTER CAN
HELP YOU…
…STAND
ALONE
IN A CROWD