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Crafting an Effective Cover Letter for Job Applications

A cover letter is a personalized business letter sent with your resume, designed to complement it and capture the reader's attention. It should be directed to the hiring manager or Human Resources if specific details are unavailable. An effective cover letter highlights your interest in the organization and relevant skills. Ideally, it includes 1-3 concise paragraphs addressing how you found the position, your qualifications, and your enthusiasm for an interview. Utilize professional formatting and avoid redundancy for a striking impact.

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Crafting an Effective Cover Letter for Job Applications

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  1. Cover Letters & Resumes Computer 2

  2. Purpose of a Cover Letter • It is a short, personalized business letter that you send with your resume; it should complement, not duplicate your resume. • A well-written letter should capture your reader’s attention, and request an interview opportunity.

  3. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Your cover letter and resume should be sent to the person who is responsible for the hiring decision; if this person’s information is not available then send the letter to the organization’s Human Resources department. • A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

  4. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identifies your most relevant skills or experiences. • A cover letter is always included with a resume

  5. Review: Parts of a Business Letter • Return address (sender) • Date • Sending address (recipient) • Greeting/Salutation (Always address letter by reader’s name) (i.e. Dear Mrs. Smith:) • Body (3 short paragraphs) • Closing (w/ space for a signature)

  6. formatting • A cover letter can consist of 1 – 3 paragraphs and explain the following things… • How you found the job posting • Why you are qualified • Why you are seeking the job • Highlight qualifications/accomplishments (w/o being redundant)

  7. formatting • If you decide to separate your thoughts into 3 separate paragraphs, they need to be brief; your CL should NOT be more than 250 words in length. • You also need to stick to traditional fonts when typing your letter (TNR, Calibri, Arial) and NO color.

  8. Paragraph 1 (Opening) • Identify the position you are applying for • Mention by name (if any) the person who suggested you apply • Explain where you saw the job advertised

  9. Paragraph 2 (qualifications) • Present 3-5 of your qualifications that directly relate to the position • Describe what you can do for the employer • Focus on how your strengths benefit the reader/company

  10. Paragraph 3 (conclusion) • Confidently request an interview • If you haven’t referred the reader to your resume, do so in this section • Provide the best time to call or method in which to contact you

  11. Helpful hints • If you don’t hear a response back from the employer, follow up with the hiring manager in a few weeks as to the status of your application • Don’t use generic greetings, such as “Dear Hiring Manager” • Don’t repeat what’s already in your resume • Don’t sound insincere, demanding, or apprehensive

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