


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It’s one of your job
search tools.
It ‘covers’ something
your resume doesn’t.
It communicates
your interest in a
position.
It states why you are
qualified for the
position.
How
Do
I IWrite
One?
Why
What
Do
Do
Need
I Need?
It?



The cover letter is your
ticket to ask for a job
interview.
It’s an introduction of
you – a preview of
what is to come.
If written well, it should
interest the employer
to read your resume or
if crafted poorly, the
employer will toss it!
Just One Thing…

The Employment Posting
EFDA NEEDED
We are looking for a certified EFDA with excellent customer service and interpersonal
skills to grow with our three doctor specialty dental practice in Center City Philadelphia.
Our hygiene pool is expanding, although during the growth phase of your production at
our practice we will need you to assist periodontal and dental implant surgeries.
This is an excellent opportunity to grow and gain a firm understanding of periodontal
therapy while assisting.
At the moment our needs are part-time as follows:
Hygiene - Thursday PM, Friday AM
Assisting - Tuesday AM, Thursday AM & every other Monday Full day
Email cover letter and resume to: abcdentalcare@yahoo.com
Just like a resume, there is a specific layout used when
creating your cover letter. This format is as follows:
Date
Employer’s Mailing Address
Salutation
First Paragraph
Second Paragraph
Closing Paragraph
Closing
Mr. Charles Sweettooth
Director of Human Resources
Dental Mental
123 Root Canal, Suite 100
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Ms. Geena Minkle
General Manager
Smiles-R-US
456 Frown Drive
Upset, MN 49254
Dear Dr. Ralph Mouth,
Dear Mr. J. Hopkins,
Dear Mrs. Rasputen,
Dear Ms. Marchelowtiz,
Dear Professor Smith,
Dear Father Mitchell,
Try your best to identify to whom you should address your cover letter.
Sometimes, it just takes a phone call to the company, reviewing their
company website, etc. Take that extra step!
But, What If I Still Can’t Figure It Out?
This paragraph should contain 3 key components:
1. Provide the reason why you are writing the letter.
2. State the source of the job opening.
3. Express interest in the position.
Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant position with Dental Mental as
posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and
reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong
candidate to be considered for this position.
This paragraph should contain 3 key components:
1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while
connecting them to the position you are applying.
2. Be honest with your skill set.
3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your resume.
What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your Resume?
Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Expanded Functions
Dental Assisting at Harcum College. While completing several clinicals
including Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn,
developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took
on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed.
Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the
workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I
have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills
from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences
have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation
skills which are crucial to being successful as a Expanded Functions
This paragraph should contain 4 key components:
1. Request an interview or announce the next step.
2. Express your continued interest in the position.
3. Provide a method and information for
contacting you.
4. Thank them!!!
I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification
for the Expanded
Dental Hygienist
Functions
position.
DentalPlease
Assistant
review
position.
my enclosed
Please review
resume
andenclosed
my
feel free resume
to contact
andme
feel
atfree
(610)555-5551.
to contact me
Thank
at (610)555-5551.
you for your time
and consideration.
Thank
you for your time
I look
and
forward
consideration.
to hearingI look
fromforward
you shortly.
to hearing
from you shortly.
Follow your closing paragraph with:
Sincerely,
Very Truly Yours,
Sincerely yours,
Sincerely,
Robert H. Harpon
Robert H. Harpon
Enclosure
What’s This????
January 20, 2010
Mr. Charles Sweettooth
Director of Human Resources
Dental Mental
123 Root Canal, Suite 100
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Dear Mr. Sweettooth,
Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Expanded Function Dental Assistant position with
Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I
believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.
Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting at Harcum College. While
completing several clinicals including Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a
stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I
greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my
education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making
skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the
technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as an Expanded Functions Dental
Assistant.
I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your
time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Harpon
Robert H. Harpon
Enclosure
Cover Letter
Tips
Cover Your Resume
Check For Typos!
Be Concise
Personalize it
Follow The Directions
Ensure Sentence Quality
Market Yourself
SAVE THEM!!!