2. Intro
Name
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, Alumni?
Major/Minor OR Undeclared
Have you ever written a cover letter?
What you hope to learn?
3. Why Cover Letters?
Introduces you before the interview
Shows a connection to the organization or a person
Illustrates your ability to write & communicate
Entices the employer to check out your resume
(or vise versa depending on hiring manager)
Illustrates your desires and passions
4. What does a cover letter look like?
Note: Cover letters should not exceed one page!!
5. Research, Research, Research!!
Who will you be sending the cover letter to. (i.e. hiring manager, human
resources manager, etc.)
If advertised position read job description thoroughly!
If not advertised, try to find a job description for same or similar
company
Highlight key qualifications/skills they are looking for!
Uniqueness of organization
Why do you have interest in working for the organization?
6. Three Types
Letter of Application- Written when you are applying for a
specific position that you definitely know is open within that
organization.
Letter of Inquiry-Written when you are contacting an
organization to inquire about possible openings when you
are unsure of availabilities.
Letter of Referral- Written when someone has suggested that
you write the letter and agrees to you using their name in
the letter.
7. Letter of Application
Sounds like this:
I was pleased to read of your opening for a
Personnel Assistant advertised on the website of
the Career Development Center at Buffalo State
College.
8. Letter of Inquiry
Sounds like this:
I am writing to inquire about any special
education teaching openings that may be
available for the school year beginning in Fall
2013.
9. Letter of Referral
Sounds like this:
Dr. Joseph Smith, Associate Professor of Business
at Buffalo State College, suggested that I contact
you regarding an internship opening within the
Management Trainee Program.
Note: Use referral name ONLY if you are given permission by that
individual AND they hold importance within given organization.
10. Let’s write a cover letter
together!!!
See Cover Letter Handout!!
11. Job Advertisement
Title: Counselor III
Organization: City of Buffalo- Division of Substance Abuse Services
Job Description:
Provide substance abuse counseling services, including individual, group and family therapy.
Maintain ongoing case records.
Make appropriate client referrals and linkage.
May be required to supervise staff member in the absence of senior counselors.
Job Requirements:
Must possess good knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques used in counseling as it related
to drug abuse
Good knowledge of programs and services related to drug abuse, basic knowledge of drug abuse
rehabilitation counseling.
Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Counseling
1-2 years of related substance abuse counseling experience
To Apply:
Send resume to:
James O’Connor, Assistant Director of Substance Abuse Services
2101 City Hall
Buffalo, New York 14202
Counseling Theories
Working with individuals,
groups and family
Services related to drug
abuse
Management Experience
12. Introduction
Intro should focus on hiring authority &
organization- NOT YOU!
State why you are writing
(Application, Referral, Inquire)
Capture their attention
Show your knowledge
13. Intro
Dear Ms./Mrs./Mr./Dr. (Name): *If you do not have the person’s name
do not write “Dear Sir or Madam” or ‘Gentlemen.” You might address the
person by title, ‘Dear Personnel Manager” or by organization, “Dear
(Name of Organization) Representative.”
Dear Mr. O’Connor:
I am writing in response to the Counselor III position advertised on
Buffalo Sate College’s Career Development Center website. I am
excited about the opportunity to provide substance abuse
counseling, case management, and prevention and educational
programs to the Buffalo community. Counseling individuals
involved in the COURTS program would provide me with the
opportunity to give urban youth another chance at success.
14. Body
1-2 paragraphs
Focus on YOU, the candidate
Show how your qualifications match their needs (USE JOB
DESCRIPTION & JARGON FROM YOUR FIELD!!!)
Highlight a few points about your background that may not be on
resume
Emphasize things in your resume
Avoid first person…I did, I have, I want
15. Body
Example:
As an intern at BryLin Hospital, I was successful in developing and
applying my knowledge of substance abuser rehabilitation
counseling theories. Here, I conducted individual, family and group
sessions with a case load of 35 clients and was able to maintain up-
to-date case files as a result of my strong organization skills. In
addition to my regular case load, I was required on many occasions
to meet with clients in the absence of co-workers and supervisors. I
have also become familiar with community referral courses where
clients can seek services after they are discharged.
Counseling Theories
Working with individuals, groups and
family
Services related to drug abuse
Management Experience
16. Conclusion
Write a summary of why you would be a good fit for the
position applying for. Use points from body and summarize!
Request action to be taken
State follow up
Thank You
Avoid wishing or wanting
Ex. I am confident that my qualifications
17. Conclusion
Example
In addition to my academic and hands-on experience, my military
background instilled leadership and dedication. I am committed to
helping others while providing a high standard of service. I will contact
you during the week of March 18th to speak with you further about this
opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Other Examples
I would like to meet with you to discuss the possibility of teaching in your
district, and will call you the week of June 3rd to arrange a meeting.
My knowledge of consumer issues, combined with my enthusiasm for public
service, makes me an excellent candidate for this position. If I have not heard from
you by the 23rd, I will contact you regarding the status of my application
I will be in your area after July 1st and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my
candidacy. I will call then regarding a possible meeting.
20. Do’s & Don’ts
Do
Always send a cover letter with
a resume (even if they don’t
ask for one)
Keep it one page in length
If asked to give salary
requirements, we advise to
give a range
Generate Interest- read resume
or get an interview
Create positive impression!!!
Relocation
Do Not
Send form letter
Talk about what the
company can do for you
Be cute, humorous or overly
pushy
Start letter with a question
Apologize for poor grades
or lack of experience
Have typo’s or grammatical
errors
21. Other Examples on CDC Website
http://bsccdc01.buffalostate.edu/cdc/cdc_hom
e.php
22. Thank You Letter
ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS Send a follow up
thank you letter after EVERY interview!!!
Can be and most are sent via email
Short, sweet and too the point
Reiterate positive points made in interview or
highlight something you forgot to mention
23. Example:
Your Address
City, State Zip
Date
Individual's Name
Position
Organization Name
Address
City, State Zip
Dear __________:
I appreciated the opportunity to talk with you at _____. The information you shared with me about
(organization name) was excellent, and I am excited about the possibility of applying my education and
experience to the position we discussed.
(Write a sentence or two here whose purpose is to recall, accent or supply an afterthought to information
expressed at the interview.)
If I can provide you with any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you
very soon.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
Your typed name
