Introduction Letter

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Cover Letter

Cover Letter : 

Cover Letter A cover letter is a formal introduction to your resume and accompanies it when applying for a job.

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What is a Cover Letter? A supplement to the resume that includes more detailed information about yourself It highlights key points in your resume Expresses your interest in a position Shows off your qualifications to a prospective employer

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Why You Need a Cover Letter Your resume is useless without it Informs employer as to what kind of work you do Type of position you are looking for Your qualifications for the position

In Short.. : 

In Short.. Presents your interest, qualifications, and availability to the employerIts YOUR chance to make a good first impression

Three Kinds of Cover Lettersfor Three Types of Job Searches : 

Three Kinds of Cover Lettersfor Three Types of Job Searches The Solicited Cover Letter -A job has been advertised The Unsolicited Cover Letter -No job has been advertised, but you would like to work at this company Unsolicited Cover Letter (with an edge) -No job has been advertised, but a mutual friend has recommended you make contact

The Solicited Cover letter : 

The Solicited Cover letter Only 20 percent of job openings are publicly advertised (open) -Newspaper, trade magazines, Web site postings -Employment agencies Enables you to speak to the requirements of the ad

The Unsolicited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) : 

The Unsolicited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) 80 percent of the job market is “closed” Can’t find out about these positions unless you dig Proactive approach to job-hunting Great tool for uncovering hidden jobs

The Unsolicited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) : 

The Unsolicited Cover Letter(cold-contact letter) Your letter can leave a lasting impression if a job opens up Opportunity to sell your talents You may obtain an interview or a referral to others in the field who may have a use for you Should be sent to a named individual -(research “whom it may concern” and get a name)

Unsolicited Cover LetterWith an Edge : 

Unsolicited Cover LetterWith an Edge Prominently displays the name of a person your addressee knows (name-dropping) Product of networking -Use everyone you know as a resource to find a job Experts say networking is the most effective method of job-hunting

Pre-Cover Letter Business : 

Pre-Cover Letter Business If you have a company or employer in mind, do some research regarding their policies and principles Review websites, brochures, pamphlets and any other pertinent materials you can find about the company If you can, try to speak with current employees; this will provide you with a unique inside perspective Once you’ve done your research and you have a good idea of what qualifications the company is looking for, it’s time to separate yourself from the rest of the pack Before you begin writing your letter, take some time to brainstorm. Make a list of reasons why you’re the ideal candidate

CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER : 

CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER Headings Salutation/Greeting Opening paragraph Middle paragraph Closing paragraph Yours Truly/Sincerely Signature and enclosure

HEADINGS : 

HEADINGS Your Heading Name of Employer Title of Employer Name of Organization Address City, Province, Postal Code Companies Heading Name Address City, Province, Postal Code Phone number Date

SALUTATIONS/GREETING : 

SALUTATIONS/GREETING Preferred Salutations Dear Mr. Dear Mrs. Dear Ms. Dear Dr. Dear Sir or Madam Alternate Salutations Attention: Personal Manager Attention: Name of Organization Representative Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”

COVER LETTER OPENING : 

COVER LETTER OPENING The opening paragraph should accomplish a couple of goals: Where you saw the posting. Include name and date of publication If you were referred for the position, give the name of that person Express your interest for the position It should grab the reader’s attention Discuss the position you are applying for Highlight the main points you will focus on in the letter

OPENING EXAMPLE : 

OPENING EXAMPLE Please accept my resume in response to the posting for the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a long time customer of ABC Company and knowing your products and services are ones I can proudly stand behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your team. As you will see my experience and qualifications are a perfect fit for the position.

OPENING EXAMPLE : 

OPENING EXAMPLE Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly that my experience and qualifications would be an excellent fit for your organization.

Opening Paragraph Example : 

Opening Paragraph Example Dear Mr. Gupta: As the enclosed resume attests, the customer support position advertised in the Times of India is a perfect fit with my qualifications. My experience working as a Help Desk Student Assistant in the Division of Information Technology at New Delhi State University and my vast experience in the audio field has prepared me for the technological and user support this job requires, making me an ideal candidate for this position.

Body Paragraph(s) : 

Body Paragraph(s) The body paragraph should accomplish a couple of goals: 1. Refer employees to certain points in your resume 2. Emphasize your strongest qualifications or top selling points 3. Show how these qualifications will benefit the company you’re applying for 4. You may provide examples of your achievements that have benefited previous companies 5. Be specific in your descriptions

Body Paragraph Example : 

Body Paragraph Example As my resume highlights, I have offered high-responsibility computer and software support for faculty, staff and students. This experience, along with constant home use of computers, has given me a thorough background of many different forms of software and operating systems including the Windows and Apple families, Microsoft Office, and Dreamweaver. I have also become very comfortable Performing hardware and software upgrades on Windows and Mac machines and working with various types of networks including wireless and LAN. In addition, I master new skills quickly and complete tasks efficiently.

Body Paragraph Example : 

Body Paragraph Example I am confident that my experience along with my educational background and commitment to professional excellence will enable me to serve both you and your clients/customers well.

Body Paragraph Example : 

Body Paragraph Example I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys interacting with others. I take pride in building strong customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position

Body Paragraph Example : 

Body Paragraph Example “Your company has an excellent reputation for (name something from your research), and I know the combination of my experience, education, and motivation to excel will make me an asset to your (name the department of the job you are seeking).”

Closing Paragraph : 

Closing Paragraph Your closing paragraph should accomplish a couple of goals 1. Ask for an interview 2. Set up a possible time and date 3. Try using an active ending; in other words, rather than asking them to contact you, tell them you will contact them in a few days 4. Be genuine and thank them for their time 5. List your contact information and when you can be reached to book your interview 6 .Include your home phone number, cell number and or email address.

Closing Paragraph Example : 

Closing Paragraph Example Please take the time to look over my resume, and feel free to contact my references. I would love to further discuss this position in person. I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions you might have. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at 12345-12345. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Closing Paragraph Example : 

Closing Paragraph Example I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can b e reached at 12345-12345 or by email at bbmehta@anymail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration. I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 12345-12345or by email at bbmehta@anymail.com.

CLOSING PARAGRAPHS : 

CLOSING PARAGRAPHS look forward to hearing from you soon and having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the position I look forward to hearing from you soon and having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the position I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 123456 or by email at bbmehta@anymail.com I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can be reached at 123456 or by email at bbmehta@anymail.com. I will follow up with a phone call next week to discuss things further. Best Better OK

COMMPLEMTARY CLOSINGS : 

COMMPLEMTARY CLOSINGS Yours Truly Sincerely Respectfully Don’t forget to sign your letter

EXAMPLES : 

EXAMPLES Yours Truly, B Mehta Bulbul Mehta Enclosure: Resume

FINAL THOUGHTS : 

FINAL THOUGHTS Know and understand what the employer is looking for in their applicants Research the company, visit there website, know there mission statement Speak to current employees, if possible Follow-up is key on interviews you ask for Be persistent but not annoying Employers admire drive and ambition Your persistence means you truly want to work for that company Plan on making some phone calls, sending follow-up letters or sending emails

A Few Things to Keep in Mind : 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind Do not over use “I” Instead, place the focus on the employer and use the word “you” Avoid writing more than one page; since you are probably competing with other applicants, employers just don’t have the time to read two pages The point of the cover letter is to flesh out your resume’s selling points not to repeat the same things that appear in your resume

Any Questions??? : 

Any Questions???