MICHAEL PENWELL, CAREER ADVISORLYCOMING COLLEGE

CAREER SERVICES

EMAIL: CAREERSERVICES@LYCOMING.EDU

WEBSITE: WWW.LYCOMING.EDU/CAREERSERVICES

Resume and Cover Letter Writing

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

Communicates availability, qualifications, and interest to employers

Personalizes your resume by accenting strengths relating to the qualifications desired for the position

Serves as a formal letter of application, as a response to a job ad, as a result of referral, or as unsolicited inquiry for employment

The Content of a Cover Letter

Captures reader’s interest, makes reader want to learn more

Explains your reason for interest in employment

Relates your strengths to an employer’s needs

Contains a call to action (a request for the next step)

WHAT TO INCLUDE…

Elements of a Cover Letter

The Basics

Return Address Location: Top right, left, or centered Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date

(Above or under return address) 2129 West Third

Street Williamsport, PA 17701 March 22, 2008

Example:

The Basics

Many students are designing letterhead which complements their resume in lieu of return

address information

The Basics

Contact Information – Addressing to Employer Location: Aligned with Left Margin Contact’s Full Name Contact’s Exact Title Contact’s Department Name of Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code

Example:

Ms. Angela M. VermilyaPresident and CEOLycoming College700 College PlaceWilliamsport, PA 17701

The Basics

Salutation Location: Under contact information Use Official Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Rev., Sr., Hon., etc.) Last name of Contact

Dear Ms. Vermilya:

Example:

A COVER LETTER INCLUDES AN OPENING PARAGRAPH, MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S), AND A

CLOSING PARAGRAPH.(DEPENDING ON YOUR WRITING STYLE, IT COULD

BE 3 OR 4 PARAGRAPHS)

The Body Paragraphs

Opening Paragraph

Purpose Captures attention Sets the tone for the letter Builds a match of your qualifications with the

employer’s needs

Opening Paragraph

Methods of accomplishing purpose: State the purpose of the letter Mention name of mutual friend State your top credentials or selling points Name the position, department, and company State source of lead

Middle Paragraph(s)

Purpose: Communicates main selling points Shows that you are the candidate to most benefit

the company Proves that your skills match employer’s needs Creates interest Illustrates personality

Middle Paragraph(s)

Methods of accomplishing purpose: Point to achievements Use action verbs Offer proof of skills and abilities

Closing Paragraph

Purpose: Reemphasizes strengths Makes a request for or offers further action Provides your personal contact information, i.e.

e-mail address, telephone number

Closing Paragraph

Methods of accomplishing purpose: Restate that you are the candidate who best fits

employer’s needs Restate position and company name State time line, specific follow-up information, and

dates Express appreciation for time, effort, and

consideration

Closing

Sincerely,SignatureTyped NameEnclosure:

Resume, References, etc.

Example:Sincerely,

John Dida Greatjob

Enclosures: Resume, References

UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING

FORMATTING SUGGESTIONS IN

COMPOSING YOUR COVER LETTER:

Formatting a Cover Letter

Personalization

Address letter to person with hiring powerDo not address your cover letter: “To whom it

may concern:”State the position sought, organization name,

and if appropriate, the geographic locationMatch your strengths and abilities to the

organization’s specific needs

Personalization

Do not state verbatim the information on your resume

Provide additional information and details which are not on your resume

Cover letters must accompany resumes and employment applications

Length

Cover letters should be one page in length

Appearance

Arrange cover letters using a standard business format

View other sample cover letters for formatting examples

Cover letters should be single spaced

Word Choice

Use positive words and/or action verbs capitalizing on your strengths

Avoid clichés and trite languageAvoid repetition and/or non-descriptive words

including “is,” “or,” “was”Do not abbreviate, or use unnecessary jargonUse concise, specific statements and short

paragraphs

Proofreading

Misspellings, grammatical errors, and improper punctuation are unacceptable

Cover letters must be well organizedAvoid lengthy descriptions. Write lucidly and

concisely.Make sure the company name and title are

consistent in the letterSign your letter

Coordinate with Resume and References

Select a font style that matches your resume and references

Consider developing personal letterhead that carries over from cover letter to resume and reference list.

Use matching paper of good quality

Resume Writing

Most Important information? Your Name! Make it big and bold so your employer can pick you out!

Be sure to put all information. Are you graduating or going on an internship? You want the employer to be able to contact you!

Objective: Why are you writing this resume? What do you want?

Education: What is your degree in? When did you get it? Where did you go? All other information can be used, but does not have to be

Computer Skills: Skills appropriate to your discipline. Not always computer related.

Coursework: Classes you have taken that you believe give you a heightened understanding of the field or job you are applying for.

Experience: Important, but it’s ok if you do not have a lot of it. Summer/Part time Jobs still show reliability and dedication.

Activities: Show off what you have accomplished! Leadership roles, Volunteer activities, Professional affiliations, and co-curricular activities are important to employers.

Honors: Anything that will make you stand out.

Availability: Especially important if applying while still in school. How long after graduation will you need before you can start to work?

Tips

An Employer spends about 15-20 seconds on a resume.

Content should never be more than 1 pageMargins can range from 1 inch to .5 inchesFont = Times New Roman or Arial. (10-12)Do not include references on resume.Begin each sentence with a strong action

verb.Put the most relevant and valuable

information that relates to the position for which you are applying

Action Words

AccomplishedAchievedAnalyzedBudgetedCompiledComposedConfrontedCounseledCultivatedDelegated

DesignedDevelopedEditedEvaluatedExaminedFacilitatedForecastedGainedGeneratedGuided

• Identified• Illustrated• Implemented• Increased• Inspected• Maintained• Managed• Marketed• Motivated• Negotiated

Questions/Comments?

Check out our website for more resume writing tips:

www.lycoming.edu/careerservices

Come to Career Services to have your resume critiqued by a member of our staff!

Want to arrange an appointment?Contact us careerservices@lycoming.edu

or call us at 570-321-4034