Cover LetterMs. Gallo GLC201

March 30 2015

Today’s GoalI will be able to understand the importance of a cover letter and be able to create one in the computer lab!

Brainstorm: Think/Pair/ShareWhat is a cover letter?

Why is it important?

What is included in a Cover Letter?

Cover Letter Guidelines• Customize your cover letter to the position you are applying for.• Be brief – 1 page.• Address the letter to a specific person when possible (a contact name is often listed on the job posting).

Cover Letter Guidelines• Mention the skills and qualifications listed in the advertisement.• Describe how you are a good fit for this position.• Keep the tone positive and professional.• Proofread; No grammar or spelling errors!

Cover Letter ChecklistIs the cover letter in standard business letter format with 3-4 paragraphs and a clear introduction, body and closing?

Is the contact information of both the applicant and the hiring organization included in a clear and easy to find/read manner?

Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?

Is the letter limited to one page and the actual content to half a page?

Would the use of bolding, italics or bullets make the letter more readable?

Does the letter include a salutation addressed to a specific person, e.g. Dear Ms. Holliday?

Does the letter include the name of the position being applied for and where the candidate heard about it?

Is it clear in the letter why the applicant is interested in the company or position?

Cover Letter Template...

Your NameStreet Number Street Name City, Province Postal CodeHome Phone/Cell Phone Date Name of prospective employer (Address the letter to the right person and make sure the name, title, and address are accurate)Address Street • City, Province Postal Code Salutation (Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./First and last name)If you don’t know who to address the letter to, it is acceptable to type “Attention: Human Resources” First Paragraph (Introduction)state why you are writing (target your cover letter)state the position applied formake a general comment about the company

Second Paragraph (Body of Letter)state your academic qualifications, if neededmatch your skills with those required for the jobhighlight experience relevant to the job Third Paragraph (Closing)request actionsay you will follow up (and try to do so) Sincerely,

Sign Your Name Here

Size 12

Font: Times New Roman

Jane Doe2 Davos RdVaughan, ON L4H 2W9(905) 653-2493

Dear Mrs. Smith,

I am very interested in the opportunity for employment with your company as an Entry Level Sales Associate.

I am a young, enthusiastic, and self motivated individual who is eager to succeed. While this would be my first time working in sales, I am confident I can learn quickly and make an immediate impact on the team at your company. I am looking for a young and energetic work environment, one in which will allow me to demonstrate and grow my skills which I feel your company can provide.

My previous work experience has supplied me knowledge that can be easily applied to the retail sector. I am a proficient user of Microsoft Office, programs in which I spent countless hours with during my high school studies. I have been put in high stress, fast paced, and dynamic situations and I work very well under pressure. As an employee in the restaurant industry I have learned the value of providing excellent communication and customer service which are skills that directly correlate to the retail industry.

Going forward, I feel as if my background, personality, and drive are suitable for employment within your store. I hope to have the opportunity to grow my professional career with your company and I’m confident that I can be an asset to your growing team.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application and cover letter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Activity 1In groups, use the checklist and discuss the quality of the cover letter.

Circle the parts of the letter that you think are incorrect or inappropriate.

Write your comments about each paragraph in the space provided.

Give suggestions on how this letter could be improved.

Day 1 Per. 2/ Day 2 Per. 21. Max, Kristina, Alyssa 2. Daniel, Michael, Patricia 3. Sandra, Christopher, Nicholas4. Luca C., Filomena, Jose 5. Stefania, Alex, Mattaeus 6. Omaira, Luca M., Joseph, 7. Illeana, Domenic, Danielle, Franco

Day 1 Per. 3/ Day 2 Per. 41. Isabelle, Peter, Victoria 2. Rhonda, Gaspare, Gaby3. Ama, Erin, Andre4. Alexia, Liana, Anthony 5. Julian, Alecia, Brian6. Sarah, Eric, Martin, Valentina 7. Kevin, Patricia, Michael, Matthew

Day 1 Per. 4/ Day 2 Per. 31. Sean, Hieu, Gia, 2. Nicholas, Erica, Anthony3. Melissa, Jeremy, Genna 4. Laura, Ike, Mariangela 5. Kimberly, Selina, Gabriella6. Marco, Felicia, Alesya, 7. Sandra, Michela, Sabrina 8. Alessandra, Scot, Massimo, Nicole

Task: Cover Letter; PortfolioYou are applying for a job at Canadian Tire as a Sales Associate. The Store Associate position is:

1. Fast-paced2. Requires constant interaction with customers 3. Task orientated

You must create a cover letter that is tailored for this job.Please address your cover letter to:

Ms. GalloHuman Resource Manager, Canadian Tire2 Davos Rd.

Vaughan, ON L4H 2W9

Please hand in your cover letter at the end of class-- this is your exit card!