Getting the Job

1. Getting the Job Personal Finance Chapter 3 Section 1 Getting an Interview

2. Application Letter • Also known as a cover letter, an application letter introduces you to a potential employer and gives you a chance to “sell” your qualifications • Often your first contact with an employer, it is important to make a good impression

3. Contents of an Application Letter • Paragraph 1 should identify the purpose of the letter (why you are writing); be specific • Tell the employer what job you want and how you learned about the opening

4. Contents of an Application Letter • Paragraph 2 should give good reasons why you are a good choice for the job • Explain your key qualifications, express interest in the company, briefly describe experiences, classes or skills that relate to the job

5. Contents of an Application Letter • Closing paragraph should wrap up the letter in a friendly, assertive manner • Be direct. Ask for an interview. • Provide contact information and in a friendly manner make it clear you are available for an interview

6. Preparing an Application Letter • Use white, standard size (8 ½” X 11”) paper of good quality and a matching envelope • Be sure copies are clear and use a standard font and margins (usually Times Roman, 12 point)

7. Parts of an Application Letter • Return Address – the first thing to appear at the top of the letter it consists of your complete mailing address and date • A return address may include an e-mail address. If so add it below your city, state and zip code

8. Parts of an Application Letter • Letter address, also called the inside address, contains the name of the person and company to whom you are writing

9. Parts of an Application Letter • Salutation is the greeting that begins your letter • The person’s name or other form of address (such as “Department Manager”) may be followed by a colon or nothing at all • Avoid addressing application letters “To Whom It May Concern” – use a simplified format instead

10. Parts of an Application Letter • The body is the message section of the letter • The body has 3 to 4 basic parts and should be 3 to 4 paragraphs • These paragraphs should attract the employer’s attention, inspire the employer’s interest in learning more about you, create the desire to read your resume and request the employer take action in the form of an interview • These parts of the body are often referred to as AIDA – attention, interest, desire, and action

11. Parts of an Application Letter • The complimentary close is a courteous phrase used to end a letter • Common phrases used in business are “Sincerely” and “Cordially” and are followed by a comma

12. Parts of an Application Letter • Your typed name should appear 4 lines below the complimentary close to allow room for your signature • Below your typed name are notations for enclosures that accompany the letter

13. E-mail Application Letter • Place everything at the left margin • Use NO special formatting or tabs • Put the job title you are applying for in the Subject line • Prepare your letter in the e-mail message window

14. E-mail Application Letter (con’d) • Start your message with the salutation • Move your return address to the bottom of the message, below your name • Omit the inside address • The body of the letter remains the same • Send your resume as an attachment; no need for enclosure notations