RESUMES THAT WORK
Cover Letters
Why Have a Cover Letter?
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Tells employer type of position you are seeking
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Matches your skill sets to the position
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Conveys to the employer your understanding of the
company and the nature of the position
RESUMES THAT WORK
Blueprint for Creating a Cover Letter
1 page
3-4 paragraphs
RESUMES THAT WORK
First Paragraph
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Identify the job you are applying for and how you
learned about it
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Indicate that you have attached enclosures with the
letter such as resume and portfolio (optional)
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Be brief - no more than 2 or 3 sentences
Second Paragraph
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Identify the skill requirements in the position applied to
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Select relevant qualifications from your resume and
demonstrate a clear link to the position
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Demonstrate how your background and qualifications
fit the skill requirements in the job description
RESUMES THAT WORK
Third Paragraph
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Research the company so that you can refer to
what you know about the company and how it
relates to your interests, values and goals
RESUMES THAT WORK
Final Paragraph
Indicate your interest in meeting for an interview
Thank employer for their time and consideration
Add phone number and email in the final paragraph
– make it easy for employer
3 Kinds of Cover Letters
Uninvited
 Invited
 Referral
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RESUMES THAT WORK
Cover Letter
INVITED
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About 20% of jobs are advertised through ads in the
paper, trade magazines, personnel agencies and the
Internet.
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Advantage is that you can refer to the requirements of
the job
RESUMES THAT WORK
Cover Letter
UNINVITED
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80% of the jobs are not advertised - the ‘hidden job
market’
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When sending this cover letter you may not know if
there are available positions so it is important to
identify your skill sets in interested area(s) of
employment
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Allows you to be proactive and target companies
Cover Letter
REFERRALS
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Can come from a variety of networking sources –
friends, association members, relatives, professors,
career service coordinators, former classmates etc.

In the opening paragraph, name the referral source
RESUMES THAT WORK
Cover Letter
INVITED

About 20% of jobs are advertised through ads in the paper,
trade magazines, personnel agencies and the Internet.

Advantage is that you can refer to the requirements of the
job
RESUMES THAT WORK
Resume & Cover Letter Resources Available
Reference Books
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What Color is Your Parachute?
Writing for Results: A Resume Workbook
The College Student’s Resume Guide
Resumes for Science Careers
Resumes for Advertising Careers
Your First Resume
Gallery of Best Cover Letters
Business Letters That Get Results
Cover Letters for Dummies
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Books are available in Career Services
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