your cover letter - amazon web services...your cover letter should scream: • i want this job!!!...
TRANSCRIPT
Your Cover Letter:
Write Yourself an Interview Ticket!
Joseph Terach, Resume Deli
www.resumedeli.com
What is a Cover Letter?
• A targeted marketing document that presents relevant information about your background
• Written for a specific position at a specific company
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Cover Letter Basics
What a Cover Letter is NOT…
• A generic note to say that you are looking for “a job”
• The opening act for your resume
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Cover Letter Basics
Your Cover Letter Should Scream:
• I want this job!!!
• I know your company
• I understand your needs
• I “get” our industry
• I can clearly communicate the fit between my background and the job
• I am a strong writer who understands the art of persuasion
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Cover Letter Basics
Red Flags
• “I am a dedicated professional”
• “I am a hard worker”
• “I am a people person”
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Cover Letter Basics
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Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
1. Your contact information (header)
2. The date (header)
3. Recipient’s contact info & salutation
4. Paragraph 1: “The Intro”
5. Paragraph 2–3: “The Goods”
6. Paragraph 4: “The Fit”
7. Paragraph 5: “Next Steps”
8. Paragraph 6: “The Goodbye”
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Your Contact Info (Header)
Match the look and feel of your resume… creates your own business letterhead
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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The Date (Header)
Be careful when starting with a boilerplate version of your letter!
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
Make sure it’s correct!
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Recipient’s Contact Information and Salutation
Contact’s Name (if available) Contact’s Professional Title (if available) Name of Company Company’s Street Address City, ST Zip Code Dear Mr. or Mrs. Contact: (if available; otherwise, Dear Hiring Manager:)
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Paragraph 1: “The Intro”
• Tell your reader why you are writing
• Refer to the specific position by name
• Refer to the company/organization by name
• Include a one- or two-sentence pitch to summarize your most impressive, relevant skills and accomplishments
Length: 3–4 lines
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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I am writing to express interest in working for your organization. I’ve attached my resume for your review.
Paragraph 1: “The Intro” (Example)
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
Please accept this letter as an expression of interest in the short stop position with the New York Yankees that is currently being advertised on MLB.com. With a .318 lifetime batting average, including 1,400 runs scored and 478 home runs (25th most in MLB history), I believe I am the ideal candidate for this position.
The crack of the bat! I await that sound all winter long. It means the start of spring—and spring training. To the Manager of the New York Yankees, that sound must also serve as a reminder that Derek Jeter is on the 60-day disabled list and not due back until after the All-Star break. With all due respect to the greatest Yankees short stop of all time, I believe I can put your concerns to rest.
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Paragraphs 2–3: “The Goods”
• Tell a story about your most impressive and relevant achievement(s). Include:
• An obstacle you faced in the course of doing your job
• Steps you took to overcome that obstacle
• The positive result of your efforts (use data!)
Length: 5–7 lines per paragraph
“The Tao”
Task, Action, Outcome
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Paragraph 4: “The Fit”
• State your interest in this particular position and company. Answer these questions:
• Why is this company/position a good fit for you?
• What will you contribute?
• Did you meet someone from this company at a networking event? Hear someone from this company speak? Read an impressive article written by an employee of this company? How did this affect your decision to apply?
Length: 3–6 lines
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Paragraph 5: “Next Steps” (a)
I have attached (or enclosed) my resume for your review. I look forward to meeting you in person to discuss my qualifications for the short stop position and what I will contribute to The New York Yankees. If I can provide you with any additional information (e.g., slugging percentage, on-base percentage, etc.) I am happy to do so. I may be reached by phone at 646-555-5555 or by email at [email protected].
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Paragraph 5: “Next Steps” (b)
I have attached (or enclosed) my resume for your review. I will be in touch early next week to schedule a mutually convenient time for us to meet. If you prefer to contact me sooner, please do. I can be reached at 646-555-5555 or [email protected].
If I can provide you with any additional information (e.g., slugging percentage, on-base percentage, etc.) in the meantime I am happy to do so.
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Paragraph 6: “The Goodbye”
“Thank you for your time and consideration.” (short and professional).
“Sincerely” is safe.
Cover Letter: Section-by-Section
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Take Your Cover Letter to the Next Level
• Address the recipient’s/company’s needs head on. Present your ideas and opinions.
• Offer to do something special • Develop a small, customized work sample
• Invite them to hear you speak; read your blog; etc.
• Dare to share your personality
Cover Letter: Advanced Topics
Share your Telecommuting Experience
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• Tell reader about your past experience telecommuting. Include specifics:
• Worked remotely 100% / 50% of the time
• What did you accomplish?
• Whom did you manage?
• AVOID
• “I can work independently”
• “I work well from home”
• “I want to work from home”
Task…Action…Outcome!
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Sending your cover letter
• Sign it
• Paperclips…not staples
• Sit cover letter in front of resume
• Do not fold
• Mail in a 9 x 12 envelope
• Paste into the body of your email; do not send as an attachment, unless specified
Sending Your Cover Letter
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Next Steps
Questions?
For More Information:
www.resumedeli.com
www.flexjobs.com
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Task…Action…Outcome!