Getting The Job: Creating A Successful Cover LetterINDEPENDENT LIVING

OCTOBER 1, 2015

Before we begin…

What is a cover letter? Serves as an introduction to your resume

Must be individualized for each position

Reflects knowledge of employer’s needs

Serve A Purpose:

Introduce yourself to the possible employer Demonstrate your interest in a specific vacant

position Usually the first contact you have with possible

employer Urges and convinces the possible employer to

continue reading and interview you

Letter Organization:

Introduction, body, closing

MUST include: Your interest in the

organization

Reason for their interest in you

When and how they can contact you to schedule an interview

Letter format should include: Date

Address of receiver

Greeting

Body of letter

Salutation

Signature

Introduction:

Capture the employer’s interest Identify vacant position

Career objectives

Be excited but professional

Introduce them to your qualifications

Letter Body

Must be between 1-3 paragraphs

Show that you understand the nature of the position

Include examples of how you relate to skills or qualities desired

DO NOT MENTION MATERIAL ON RESUME

Closing

State gratitude of opportunity to interview

State best two ways to be contacted

Express enthusiasm to meet possible employer and other members of the company

Salutation

Last Minute Advice!

Use non-sexist language Never take more then one page Avoid overusing the word “I” Use attention getting Action Verbs and

Adjectives PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD,

PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD