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Cover Letter Workshop
This document provides guidance on writing cover letters. It explains that cover letters are used to introduce yourself to potential employers, show how you are qualified for positions, and encourage employers to review your resume. The document advises researching companies and positions thoroughly so your cover letter can highlight relevant qualifications. It also presents templates for three common types of cover letters: application letters for specific openings, inquiry letters when opportunities are uncertain, and referral letters when a contact recommends you. The document guides writing each cover letter section and offers tips like keeping the letter to one page and following up interviews with thank you letters.
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Cover Letter Workshop
- 1. Cover Letter Cara Valentine GraduateAssistant Career Development Center valentc01@buffalostate.edu
- 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 acover 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 Letterof 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 acover 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 shouldfocus 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 anintern 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 asummary 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 Inaddition 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.
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- 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 onCDC 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, StateZip 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
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