How to build a customizable cover letter and tips for completing the online application process. The cover letter is your chance to tell your story. This is where you have an opportunity to help the reviewer connect your skills and experience to their open position. Learn how to take the most advantage of this opportunity and have a better chance at landing an interview. We will also spend a few minutes talking about key tips for filling out online job applications.

1. This presentation is a product of LeaderQuest Career Services, designed to help you develop your own Cover Letter. The information in this
presentation is a blend of best‐practice research and narratives gathered from career professionals and HR experts. Although LeaderQuest has
made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this product, they assume no responsibility for errors or
omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the
examples illustrated here; in fact, it's likely that they won't be identical, and you should adjust your use of the information and recommendations
accordingly.
Nothing in this presentation is intended to replace your own best judgement or other legal/professional advice, and is meant to inform and
sometimes amuse the reader. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or features are assumed to be the property of their respective
owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement of any particular product or service within this presentation.
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4. Percentage of cover letters that actually get read
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12. This cover letter is going to get you the job. Put on your Sunday best and head on down to Mortons for your
celebration dinner.
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15. Finding a person at a company can be easier than you think. Go to LinkedIn and search for the company. Scroll through
the people working there and find someone with HR or Manager/Supervisor in their title.
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17. Think of your cover letter like a movie poster. A sneak peek of coming attractions. What can you squeeze in there the will
pique the reviewer’s interest? What will make them want to read further?
Think about including multiple elements that provide big picture understanding.
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27. What if the company’s practice is to print out the resumes and cover letters of the top candidates. Your docs are printed
out and somehow become separated. If the hiring manager gets a hold of your cover letter, it needs to stand on it’s own.
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31. I once interviewed a woman for a Quality Assurance position. She presented well, and passed the pre‐interview exercise I
gave to her with flying colors. She was a good fit for the team, and I was just about to recommend her for a second‐
round interview with the company president when her thank you email came in. She had attached a letter to the email
and when I opened it, I found that the letter was addressed to someone else…at a different company… for a different
position.
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33. While there is not much one can say about filling out applications, it does bear mentioning.
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40. Dear Person,
Dear Hiring Manager,
Dear Selection Committee
To Whom it May Concern
INTRODUCTION
I am writing in response to your opening for a [job title] at [location] that I was referred to by Heather
Dixon at LeaderQuest. In my previous position I held a similar position [explain how it was similar]. When
I happened upon this opportunity at [company], I knew immediately that I would be an excellent fit
for the position you are seeking to fill. I have a long range of experience in [list several skills required
from job posting]. I offer particular expertise in [critical job posting skills, generally related to the title]
BODY
During my time at [last job], I [describe how work you did at your last job relates to the job posting].
Make sure to include narrative details on how the work was done. This is different than the list
method on your resume. The tone here should be conversational.
Example: One part of my work at [company you used to work for] was the oversight of overall
performance and data management for the [group/division/team]. I established a
comprehensive database for reporting and evaluating program data to identify and address
deficiencies in program key deliverables. Through the demonstrated success of programs at
[company], our department was able to secure an additional $300,000,000 in funding for
program expansion.
Example: Another part of my work at [company] was to establish a security initiative. This program
was developed, based on best practice research, to address the growing concern of customer
identity theft. The approach of the initiative was to rely on input from security consultants as
experts in their own fields. In this way we were able to increase capacity for the security
department by leveraging resources and freeing up time spent on delivering services that would
be better delivered by other expert partners. Over time, the security initiative decreased breaches
by 80% and, by automating procedures, I was able to free up two staff members to work on other
projects, saving the company the equivalent of 2 FTE positions.
CLOSING:
Thank you for your time in reviewing my application. I believe my experience is a good match to the
skills and attributes you are looking for in a [job posting title]. I will follow up with you in a few days to
answer any preliminary questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at 303.867.5309.
OR
I appreciate your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to speaking with you and
your team about the opportunity. You can reach me 303.867.5309 to schedule an interview.
Sincerely,

41. Key Word Selling point