100 likes | 212 Vues
A cover letter is your first chance to impress potential employers alongside your resume. It outlines your intentions and enthusiasm for the specific position, while demonstrating your understanding of the industry and the employer. This guide covers everything you need to know, including research strategies on the industry and employer, proper formatting, and essential components of an impactful cover letter. Don't underestimate the importance of proofreading! Follow these tips to present a polished and professional image to potential employers.
E N D
Agenda • What is a cover letter? • Research the Industry • Research the Employer • Setting up the page • Anatomy of a Cover letter • Importance of Proofreading • Final Thoughts
What is a cover letter? • A letter sent to a potential employer along with your resume • Tells the recipient for whom the resume is intended • Elaborates on your knowledge of the company and your desire to work for it • Allows you to name drop
Research the Industry • Important business or technological trends • Phrases, subject matter • Hiring trends (within the industry)
Research the Employer • The nature of the company’s business • History • Major clients or customers trends • Hiring trends (by this particular employer – helpful to have a contact that can provide this info)
Setting up the page • Use white or ivory paper • Write your contact information in top left or right-hand corner of page • Write the name, title, company name and address of the person you are sending the letter in left-hand corner of page • Send an original signed letter
Write the cover letter • Standard phrases • Avoid jargon & clichés • Be brief • Use action words • Don’t be funny • Explain why you want this job
Anatomy of a Cover Letter • First Paragraph • Power Opening – Talk about the org, not you – you’ve done your homework • Second Paragraph • Purpose of correspondence (i.e. position you are seeking, where you heard about it) and brief background on you (i.e. some skills and qualifications for the position) • Third Paragraph • Why you are a good fit at the company • Fourth Paragraph • Closing and call to action i.e. Request for an interview
Importance of Proofreading Errors • Addressing the letters to correct street address, but wrong company or person • Praising company for accomplishments that were actually achieved by the company's competitors • Failing to sign your name • Failing to include the date • Misspelling the recruiters’ names
Final Thoughts Dew knot truss yore spell cheque