BRO Time – April 18, 2012

1. BRO Time – April 18, 2012 According to a 2001 SHRM survey, 96 percent of job seekers use the Internet to search for openings. Only 48 percent of job seekers, however, were able to secure a job from an online posting. The most effective job seeking tactic was found to be personal contact / networking, which secured jobs 78 percent of the time. Do you think people are becoming more technology savvy at the expense of good personal communication skills & networking? Why or why not?

2. Today’s Agenda • BRO Time Discussion • Cover Letters • Informational Article • Lesson & Notes • Cover Letter Template • Organize Portfolio

3. Writing a Cover Letter April 18, 2012

4. What is a Cover Letter? • Tells the employer about you and why you are applying • Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

5. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Introduces you and who you are • Explains why you are sending a resume • Makes a good impression • Demonstrates professionalism

6. Formatting a Cover Letter

7. Layout As with all professional business letters, a cover letter should be written in block format.

8. Cover Letter Contents • Use simple language • Be short & concise • Proofread! All cover letters should be error-free.

9. Parts of a Cover Letter

10. Contact Information • Your full name • Street Address • City, State • Zip Code • Phone Number • Email Address The contact information on your cover letter should match your resume!

11. Date Write out the full date! April 18, 2012

12. Employer Information • Name • Job Title • Company’s Full Address Address your letter to the hiring manager of the company. If you’re not sure who it is, do some research to find out!

13. Salutation • Business letters use only the following prefixes: • Mr. • Ms. • Dr. • Address the hiring manager by their last name

14. Paragraph #1 • Explain why you are writing • Indicate the position you would like to apply for • Explain how you heard about the job opening

15. Paragraph #2 • Describe what you have to offer the employer • Match your abilities with their needs • Refer to your qualifications

16. Paragraph #3 • Ask for an interview! • Thank the employer for considering you • Explain how & when you will follow up

17. Complimentary Close • Use a professional closing • Respectfully yours • Best regards • Sincerely • Include your handwritten signature & typed signature

18. Your Turn! Use the Cover Letter Template worksheet to begin organizing your information as if you were preparing to write a cover letter for your summer part-time job.