ADVANTAGES OF A COVER LETTER
> Gives employers a quick summary of how your qualifications match their needs.
> Highlights unique, specific contributions you would bring.
> Makes a positive first impression.
> Attracts and holds interest, inspiring employers to find out more about you from your resume and in an interview.
WHAT DOES YOUR READER NEED TO KNOW?
Step #1: Opening paragraph
> Concise, punchy sentences grab attention!
> Identify your target job.
> Where you saw the ad.
> If someone who knows the employer referred you, give the name of that person.
> Your interest in the position.
Step #2: Second paragraph
> Highlight your strongest qualifications.
> Demonstrate how these qualifications will benefit the employer.
Step #3: Third paragraph
> Demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Create interest by showing your value.
Step #4: Fourth paragraph
> Give a detailed description of your experience. Show employers (do not tell) your qualifications.
Step #5: Closing paragraph
> Thank the employer in advance for their consideration and that you are looking forward to meeting with soon.
PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER
Your cover letter should:
1. Explain why you are sending a résumé. Do not send a résumé without a cover letter
(unless you are explicitly asked to do so.) Do not make the reader guess what you are
asking for or what you have to offer; be specific: Do you want a summer internship
opportunity or a permanent position at graduation? Are you inquiring about future
employment possibilities?
2. Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization (for example,
through a flier posted in your department, a specific directory in the Career
Development Centre, or a family friend who works at the organization). It is appropriate
to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write (if you have their
permission).
3. Convince the reader to look at your résumé. The cover letter will be seen first and
should complement your résumé. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted
to the employer.
4. Call attention to elements of your background – education, leadership, experience –
that are all relevant to the position to which you are seeking. Be as specific as possible,
using examples that make you uniquely qualified.
5. Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm and communication skills.
6. Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that is
not covered in your résumé, such as your availability date or the inclusion of a required
writing sample.
7. If possible, provide “extra value” statements which will increase your desirability.
TOP TEN SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES BC EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR
Adapted from the Business Council of BC 2010 Biennial Skills and Attributes Survey Report found at
bcbc.com/Documents/TEF_SS_2010_CompleteReport.pdf
From the list of Attributes, employers were asked to choose ten key Attributes they sought in all new job hires.
Take these
into consideration when you ask yourself “what is it that employers are looking” and how can I fill these roles
TOP ATTRIBUTES
> Positive attitude/motivation/energy/passion – 96.8%
> Self-motivated/able to work with little or no supervision – 93.5%
> Honesty/integrity – 93.5%
> High performance standards – 87.1%
> Accountability/responsibility – 83.9%
> Dedication/hardworking/tenacity – 80.6%
> Customer service oriented – 74.2%
> Flexibility/adaptability – 74.2%
> Willingness to work and learn – 71.0%
> Leadership/management skills – 67.7%
TOP SKILLS
> Speaking/listening – 93.3%
> Judgment/decision making – 93.3%
> Teamwork – 90.0%
> Problem solving – 86.7%
> Writing – 83.3%
> Critical thinking – 80.0%
> Flexibility/adaptability/multi-tasking – 76.7%
> Planning/time management – 76.7%
> Computer competency – 73.3%
> Efficient use of technology, tools and equipment – 67.7%
COVER LETTERS THAT INCREASE SALARIES AND LAND MORE INTERVIEWS
To increase the likelihood of an employer taking the time to read your cover letter you need to use design that saves
them time. Just like your resume, your cover letter is also part of your marketing package and should also incorporate the
primary components of an excellent advertisement design and content. You can create a cover letter with excellent design,
by using main headings are bolded statements that match the positions for which you are applying. Such strategies will
direct and control the employer’s eye path and sell your top skills in 4–5 seconds.
POWERFUL CONTENT
After you’ve gotten an employer’s attention, the content of your cover letter must convince an employer to interview you.
I always think of cover letters being much like the opening and closing statements that lawyers give when representing
a client in court. Before making such statements lawyers carefully analyze facts that prove why their clients should win.
They structure and prioritize their arguments for maximum impact. You want to do the same thing with your cover letters.
To build a convincing case of your qualifications it’s important that you analyze and address each employer’s needs. Most
people write very weak cover letters that don’t build a convincing case for their qualifications. By following the strategies
you’re about to learn you’ll create powerful letters that put you way ahead of your competition.
Tip: When emailing your application, type your cover letter into the body of your email address. Then combine your cover letter and resume into one document, name that document with your name (e.g. Lucy_Chen.doc), and attach it to your email. When the employer opens your email, he or she reads your persuasive cover letter content and you make a professional first impression. Then he or she can download and save your complete application and then delete the email. So you are sending your cover letter in two formats.
Today’s date Full name of person letter is addressed to Address of Company Dear Mr. / Ms. Contact person for this post (always try to get a name; do not use “To Whom it may concern” I am very interested in the position you advertised in Source of Job advertisement and I believe I have the qualifications to successfully fulfill your requirements. How I have demonstrated these abilities include the following accomplishment: Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 3 (Match the above facts with the requirements of the job you are applying for: Employers like to see quantifiable facts and achievements) I feel confident that I could be a valuable asset to your company and look forward to an interview to discuss how I may be able to contribute to your profitability and efficiency. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, Your Name
POINTS TO REMEMBER IN COVER LETTERS
> A cover letter is a brochure, or an advertisement that informs potential contractors and employers of what you can do for them! > Remember to use the technique S.A.R. (situation / action / result). > Speak to the requirements of the job, especially when responding to a job advertisement. > Distinguish your cover letter from those of other job-seekers by quantifying and giving examples that amplify and prove the claims you make in your letter. > Try to answer the question that the employer will be asking while reading your letter: “why should I hire this person?” > Try to limit your paragraphs to no more than four or five sentences and your sentences to a maximum of two lines. The first sentence in a paragraph introduces the topic to be covered in that paragraph. > Ensure a neat, uncluttered and well-organized appearance. > Check your first draft for the number of times you have written “I”, monotony of sentence structure, and rambling text; these defeat your goal of writing an effective letter. > Edit your draft for clarity, tone, accuracy, proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar.FINAL CHECK
> Personalize the letter to the organization you are sending it to. Savvy employers can tell when the letter they are reading has been mass produced. > Write about what you can contribute to the company, not how the position will contribute to you. > Vary the sentence structure; starting every sentence with “I” makes the letter dull and repetitive. > Ensure that the spelling and grammar is picture perfect. Fresh eyes can catch errors that writers may miss – so have someone else check it too! > Send it in a clean and crisp 9x12 envelope. Never fold or staple cover letters, resumes or application forms.Tip: When emailing your application, type your cover letter into the body of your email address. Then combine your cover letter and resume into one document, name that document with your name (e.g. Lucy_Chen.doc), and attach it to your email. When the employer opens your email, he or she reads your persuasive cover letter content and you make a professional first impression. Then he or she can download and save your complete application and then delete the email. So you are sending your cover letter in two formats.
Today’s date Full name of person letter is addressed to Address of Company Dear Mr. / Ms. Contact person for this post (always try to get a name; do not use “To Whom it may concern” I am very interested in the position you advertised in Source of Job advertisement and I believe I have the qualifications to successfully fulfill your requirements. How I have demonstrated these abilities include the following accomplishment: Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 3 (Match the above facts with the requirements of the job you are applying for: Employers like to see quantifiable facts and achievements) I feel confident that I could be a valuable asset to your company and look forward to an interview to discuss how I may be able to contribute to your profitability and efficiency. Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, Your Name
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