1. Dynamic Cover Letters Writing a Successful Cover Letter By Nancy LoBello

2. What is a Cover Letter Also Referred to as: • Letter of Introduction • Letter of Application • Transmittal Letter • Broadcast Letter

3. Why You Need a Cover Letter • Your resume is useless without it • Informs employer as to what kind of work you do • Type of position you are looking for • Your qualifications for the position

4. Your Cover Letter Will… • Highlight aspects of your experience that are most useful to the employer • Call attention to your skills, talents, and experience • Explain things your resume can’t • Open a “little window” into your dynamic personality

5. Three Kinds of Cover Lettersfor Three Types of Job Searches • The Invited Cover Letter -A job has been advertised • The Uninvited Cover Letter -No job has been advertised, but you would like to work at this company • Uninvited Cover Letter (with an edge) -No job has been advertised, but a mutual friend has recommended you make contact

6. The Invited Cover letter • Only 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised (open) -Newspaper, trade magazines, Web site postings -Employment agencies • Enables you to speak to the requirements of the ad

7. The Uninvited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) • 80 percent of the job market is “closed” • Can’t find out about these positions unless you dig • Proactive approach to job-hunting • Great tool for uncovering hidden jobs

8. The Uninvited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) • Your letter can leave a lasting impression if a job opens up • Opportunity to sell your talents • You may obtain an interview or a referral to others in the field who may have a use for you • Should be sent to a named individual -(research “whom it may concern” and get a name)

9. Uninvited Cover LetterWith an Edge • AKA- referral letter • Prominently displays the name of a person your addressee knows (name-dropping) • Product of networking -Use everyone you know as a resource to find a job • Experts say networking is the most effective method of job-hunting

10. First Paragraph • Spark the employers interest • Unique Selling Proposition (USP) -The one thing that makes you different from all the other job- seekers -Identify two or three benefits you can offer the employer

11. First Paragraph Openers • Cold Contact (be sure to research the company for an individuals name) • Example: “I am writing to introduce myself and to inquire about opportunities to work in your department.”

12. First Paragraph Openers • Referral Letter • Example: “Annie Jones (the mutual friend) has suggested I contact you. I am a (state your position) with entry level experience in the (name the field). Annie said you are always looking for experienced (job title).”

13. First Paragraph Openers • Invited Cover Letter (job has been advertised) • Example: “I am writing to respond to the (job title) position advertised in the (name of newspaper) this week.”

14. Second Paragraph • Provide more detail about your professional/academic accomplishments • Stress accomplishments and achievements -Show you’re a mover and a shaker -How you can contribute to the organization -Describe how you show initiative -Show you can be a key player

15. Second Paragraph Openers • Cold Contact • Example: “My background includes…” (add two to three sentences about your experience, achievements, accomplishments). • Invited cover letter (job advertised) • Example: “I am a (?) with entry level skills in the (?) industry. My strengths include: (bullet list or paragraph noting your skills as requested in the ad).”

16. Third Paragraph • Research the company • Show that you know something about the company • Relate yourself to the company -Give details why you should be considered for the position -Expand on your qualifications while showing knowledge of the company

17. Third Paragraph Sample • Example: “Your company has an excellent reputation for (name something from your research), and I know the combination of my experience, education, and motivation to excel will make me an asset to your (name the department of the job you are seeking).”

18. Fourth Paragraph (Final paragraph) • Proactive - and request action -Ask for an interview or meeting -Express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job -Inform the employer that you plan to follow-up within a specified time

19. Fourth paragraph Sample • Example: “I am sure it would be worthwhile for us to meet. I will contact you within a week to arrange a meeting. Should you have any questions before that time, you may reach me via phone (312-555-5555) or via email (jdoe@cmail .com).”

20. In “Closing” your letter • Example: “Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, (sign your name) (type your name)

21. Final Thoughts • Follow-up is key on interviews you ask for • Be persistent but not annoying • Employers admire drive and ambition • Your persistence means you truly want to work for that company • Plan on making some phone calls, sending follow-up letters or sending emails

22. Resources • www.quintcareers.com/cover_letters.html • www.quintcareers.com/jobseeker_glossary.html • www.quintcareers.com/job-hunting_success.html