Lecture 3.1 how to write a cover letter student notes

How to write a coverletterLecture 3.1University of AlbertaALES 204Nancy Bray 1

HousekeepingQuestions about Assignment #1iClickers (cross fingers that we will get started this class!) 2

iClicker QuestionHow many spelling errors can you find in this poster? 3

Lecture Outline1. Why cover letters?2. Steps to a good cover letter3. Deadly sins of grammar 4

1. Why cover letters? 5

Why do youneed one?Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing. 6

Traditional cover letter Dear Sir or Madam: Please accept this letter and resume for the position of graphic designer which was posted in the Edmonton Journal on May 10. My work and educational background make me an outstanding candidate. I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Your truly, Jane SmithSource: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing. 7

A good coverletter can 8

8 steps to a good cover letter 1. Research the employer 2. If e-mail: create a good subject line 3. Start with a greeting 4. The lead line 5. The sales pitch 6. The closer 7. Closing line 8. Proofread carefullySource: http://susanireland.com/letter/how-to/ 9

1. Researchemployer 10

2. E-mailsubject line 11

3. Greeting If you know the person’s name, use “Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Dr. Smith,” If you don’t know the person’s name, use: Dear Recruiter, Dear Director, Dear Manager, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager, Dear Personnel Manager, Dear Sir or Madam, 12

4. The lead line First line needs to catch the reader’s attention "Amar Singh recommended I speak with you about your opening for a conversation officer." The Globe & Mail reported last week that AgraBiz is branching out into Alberta. As an experienced sales rep in Edmonton, I am most interested in helping with your new venture." 13

5. The sales pitch What skills and experience is the employer looking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want? Which of your achievements demonstrates that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for? Which of your personality traits is the employer looking for in the perfect applicant for the position you seek? Pitch yourself to the employer based on these qualities 14

Example #1"You know you have the right person in the position when you can” Count on your office operations running smoothly. Access accurate information regarding your finances at any time” 15

Example #2"My former employer commented that I demonstrate aprofessionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) managementprofessionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to yourmanagement team in the near future." 16

Example #3Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing. 17

Stand out with...See examples on eClass: Good Cover Letter Examples Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing. 18

6. The Closer 19

7. Closing line Regards, Kind regards, Warm regards, Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Yours truly, Cordially, Best, Best wishes, Again, thank you, 20

8. ProofreadProofread, proofread,proofread 21

3. Deadly sins of grammar 22

Why grammar mattersPoor grammar affects grades and job performance (Connors-Lunsford, Hairston)But teaching grammar doesn’t help...Source: Sargent (2005) Bare Bones Writer’s Grammar (on eClass) 23

The worsterrors 24

iClicker question Which sentence is grammatical? a. The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon. b. The zombies ate the children, the vampires bit the dogs. c. Whenever there was a full moon. d. The zombies ate the children; the vampires bit the dogs; and the adults ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon. 25

Telling fragments from sentences1. Make a tag question2. Make a yes/no question3. Embed “I believe that” 26

Example #11. Make a tag question2. Make a yes/no question3. Embed “I believe that” 27

Example #21. Make a tag question *1. Make a yes/no question *1. Embed “I believe that” * 28

Finding clause boundaries 29

Example #1 The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.1. Make a tag question1. Make a yes/no question 30

Example #1 The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.1. Make a tag question2. Make a yes/no question 31

Example #1The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and thewerewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon. 32

Other things to watch Capitalization: inconsistent use and over-capitalization. See OWL at Purdue for capitalization rules Wordiness. Try using the paramedic method Sloppiness. Ignoring spelling and grammar checks. Not proofreading. Try SpellCheckPlus Go to the Centre for Writers 33

Take awayConsider ways to stand outwith your cover letterProofread outloudMake sure you respectsentence boundaries!Proofread outloud againHave someone proofread foryou. 34

Photo CreditsRoger’s billboard by Nikki V.typewriter by Eye - the world through my Ibusinesswoman by mfrissenfirst impression by Ivy Dawnedgood boss by BC Gov Photosproofreading by the Italian voicepyjamas by elvisripley ̈stand out by madchenkrawall 35

Lecture 3.1 how to write a cover letter student notes

by Nancy Bray on Jan 20, 2013

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