Writing a Cover Letter

1. Writing a Cover Letter

2. What is a cover letter and why do I send one? • Every time you send a resume to an employer you should send a cover letter, even if a cover letter is not mentioned in the ad, employers will expect one. • Your cover letter will act as your first impression to the employer • A resume is a somewhat generic advertisement for yourself, the cover letter allows you to tailor your application to each specific job. • A good cover letter shows the employer what you can do for them.

3. 1. Select the ad for the position you wish to apply for Civil Engineering Technician About the Job Progressive civil engineering firm is seeking a full-time civil engineering technician. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience, proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and willing to relocate to Rapid City, SD. Wages and benefits DOE. Submit resume and letter of interest to Dream Design International, Inc., 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57701, or engineers@dreamdesigninc.com . Job Summary Company Dream Design International, Inc.​ Location Rapid City, SD 57701 Industries Engineering Services Job Type Full Time Employee Years of Experience 5+​ to 7 Years Education Level Bachelor's Degree Career Level Experienced (Non-Manager)

4. 2. Addressing your cover letter Get Addressee Information from Ad Addressee’s Name (if Available) Professional Title (if Available) Organization Name Mailing Address City, State, and Zip Your Name Mailing Address City, State, and Zip Telephone Number(s) E-mail Address Today’s Date Robert Sandman HR Director Dream Design International, Inc. 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4 Rapid City, SD 57701 Dear Mr. Sandman, Progressive civil engineering firm is seeking a full-time civil engineering technician. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience, proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and willing to relocate to Rapid City, SD. Wages and benefits DOE. Submit resume and letter of interest to Robert Sandman, HR Director, Dream Design International, Inc., 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57701, or engineers@dreamdesigninc.com .

5. Tips for your Cover Letter • If you don’t have the person’s name or title; address it to “Human Resources Manager” or “Dear Sir or Madam” • Write the letter in your own words, let them know you. • Use simple clear sentences • Write in the active tense • Don’t overuse I • Show you know something about the company and the industry. Go online and research it. • Keep the letter to one page • Use paragraphs not bullet points

6. 3. The body of the Letter • The first paragraph is the most important so make it jump off the page. • State how you learned about the opening • Mention any personal contacts you have with the company Dear Mr. Sandman, I was excited to see your advertisement in yesterday’s Rapid City Journal for a civil engineering technician. I am very interested in your opening, and believe my work experience as a civil engineer with the city of Worland would qualify me for the position. Your Chief Civil Engineer John Parsons and I met when attending the Midwest Civil Engineering Conference last year. Progressive civil engineering firm is seeking a full-time civil engineering technician. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience, proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and willing to relocate to Rapid City, SD. Wages and benefits DOE. Submit resume and letter of interest to Dream Design International, Inc., 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57701, or engineers@dreamdesigninc.com .

7. The Body Continued • The body should consist of one to three paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications listed in the ad • Pick out your most relevant qualifications from your resume • Don’t exaggerate your skills or experience I am very proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and use it daily in my position as an engineer for the City of Worland. While in Worland, I have overseen the creation of three new housing developments. The two new city parks that I designed and helped construct are the highlight of my career so far. I have been in my position for five years and am ready for new challenges. After graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, I worked for two years at DuPont’s Wright, Wyoming Mine. Returning to the Black Hills has been a dream of mine now for several years, as my family still lives in Rapid City. Progressive civil engineering firm is seeking a full-time civil engineering technician. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience, proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and willing to relocate to Rapid City, SD. Wages and benefits DOE. Submit resume and letter of interest to Dream Design International, Inc., 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4, Rapid City, SD 57701, or engineers@dreamdesigninc.com .

8. 4. The Conclusion or Closing • Tell them your resume is enclosed • Ask for an interview • State when and where you can be reached • Express eagerness for interview and that you gladly provide additional information if needed. • Thank them for their time. Enclosed is a copy of my resume which details my qualifications for the position. I look forward with meeting you to discuss opportunities with Dream Design International. Within the week I will contact you to confirm that you received my e-mail and resume and to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Your handwritten signature Your name typed Enclosure: resume

9. Your Name Mailing Address City, State, and Zip Telephone Number(s) E-mail Address Today’s Date Robert Sandman HR Director Dream Design International, Inc. 528 Kansas City Street, Suite 4 Rapid City, SD 57701 Dear Mr. Sandman, I was excited to see your advertisement in yesterday’s Rapid City Journal for a civil engineering technician. I am very interested in your opening, and believe my work experience as a civil engineer with the city of Worland would qualify me for the position. Your Chief Civil Engineer John Parsons and I met when attending the Midwest Civil Engineering Conference last year. I am very proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and use it daily in my position as an engineer for the City of Worland. While in Worland, I have overseen the creation of three new housing developments. The two new city parks that I designed and helped construct are the highlight of my career so far. I have been in my position for five years and am ready for new challenges. After graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, I worked for two years at DuPont’s Wright, Wyoming Mine. Returning to the Black Hills has been a dream of mine now for several years, as my family still lives in Rapid City. Enclosed is a copy of my resume which details my qualifications for the position. I look forward with meeting you to discuss opportunities with Dream Design International. Within the week I will contact you to confirm that you received my e-mail and resume and to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Your handwritten signature Your name typed Enclosure: resume