The document provides tips for writing an effective cover letter in 3 paragraphs or less. The introduction should express interest in the specific position and company. The main body should relate your skills and experience to the job requirements through concrete examples. The conclusion should request an interview and provide contact information. Sample cover letters are included to demonstrate these tips.

1. COVER LETTER WORKSHOP
Karen Engel, M.A.
Business English
Uni für Life, AK:ZENT

2. A good cover letter:
• expresses interest and why you are perfect for
the job.
• is TAILORED TO SPECIFIC JOB/COMPANY
• explains how you fit to the company
• expands main points from your resumé
• gets attention. It stands out from the crowd.

3. GOAL
•GET AN INTERVIEW

4. STEP 1 RESEARCH
• THE JOB DESCRIPTION
–Highlight key requirements
Specific duties
• Skills & education
• Equipment or tools used
• Indentify KEY WORDS and make sure those are in your
resume and cover letter
Source: http://studentplace.ca/articles/11-Rock_Your_Student_Cover_Letter.html

5. Research cont.
• Check www.company website for
– Mission statements
– Goals
– Culture of the organisation
• Conduct internet research on company
– Current activities, projects
– Key people

6. 2. Relate to your own skills
• Check your resume for key words.
• Draw attention to these skills, qualities in your
cover letter.
• Provide concrete examples of such skills

7. Three or Four Key Paragraphs
• 1: THE INTRODUCTION
–
– 2 – 3 sentences
• 2: THE ARGUMENT
– Talk about your experience, skills, and education as related to the job description.
– .
• 3: ADDITIONAL PERSONAL INFO
– Why are you the right kind of person for THIS job
• 4: CLOSING
– State availability for an interview.
Source:http://studentplace.ca/articles/11-Rock_Your_Student_Cover_Letter.html

8. 1. THE INTRODUCTION
– What position
– How you heard about it
– Why you are an ideal candidate.
– 2 – 3 sentences

9. Example: 1. Introduction
Dear Mr Johnson,
I am writing to apply for the position of Project
Manager - Engineering / Air Defence (Ref:
67153) which has recently been advertised on
Total Jobs. Given my 15 years of project
management experience I would consider
myself an ideal candidate for this opening.

10. 2. THE ARGUMENT
• Second Paragraph: THE ARGUMENT
– Talk about your experience, skills, and education
as related to the job description.
– Make the connections for the employer and use
your examples to support your claims.

11. Example: Paragraph 2
“As a banking representative at Chase, I provided
quality customer service while promoting the sale
of products to customers. I also handled close to
$20,000 each day and was responsible for
balancing the bank’s ATM machine. My
experience with customer relations and money
management can help your accounting firm
expand its Middle East division located in Dubai.”
Source: Purdue University Writing Lab

12. 3. ADDITIONAL PERSONAL INFO
–Why are you interested in working for
THIS firm?
–Why are you the right kind of person
for this job (Describe qualities,
personality, interests)

13. Example: Paragraph 3
“I am passionate about working closely with
others in a casual workplace. I‘m a social
individual who loves solving problems. It has
always been my dream to work in a young and
rising company, and I am drawn to being part
of a team. With these considerations in mind,
I think I would like working for N-Vision IT“
.
Source:http://studentplace.ca/articles/11-Rock_Your_Student_Cover_Letter html

14. Conclusion
• Show you want the job
• Contact information

15. Example: Closing Paragraph
„I believe my work experience and education
in electrical engineering will help your
company attain its goals, and I look forward to
meeting with you to discuss the job position
further. "
Source: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/

16. Harvard Business Review
• http://blogs.hbr.org/silverman/2009/06/the-best-cover-letter.html
Dear David:
I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which believe may report to
you.
I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-
tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for
detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.
I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to
speak with you sometime.
Best regards,
Xxxx Xxxx

17. Project Management Institute
http://www.pmi.org/en/Professional-Development/Career-Central/7-Ingredients-for-a-Great-Cover-Letter.aspx
To whom it may concern:
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the position of Project Manager at The Atom Group. I
believe my work experience and knowledge make me a very good candidate for the position
and have attached my most recent resume for your review.
I have over 7 years experience managing projects and over 15 years managing people and
teams in a very dynamic, fast-paced environment. I am PMP certified (#1375750) and have
continued working with the PMI – New Hampshire Chapterʼs educational team as a
mentor for those studying to take their PMP exam.
I have a solid reputation as an experienced, hard working, innovative, and results-driven project
manager with strong interpersonal communication skills. In addition to my resume, my LinkedIn
profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathycomtoispmp includes recommendations from previous
managers and co-workers.
The opportunity to work for The Atom Group in this role is extremely appealing to me and I hope
youʼll rovide me with the opportunity to discuss your needs and my qualifications further. I can
p
be contacted via phone or e-mail to set up a mutually convenient time for us to meet.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

18. Final Tips
• Appeal to company values, attitudes, goals,
projects, etc. Tailored letter.
• Relate skills to real examples.
• Elaborate on the information in your resume.
• Show your achievements.
• Should reflect who you are as a person as well
as a professional