Cover LetterCara Valentine Graduate AssistantCareer Development Centervalentc01@buffalostate.edu

Intro Name

Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate, Alumni?

Major/Minor OR Undeclared

Have you ever written a cover letter?

What you hope to learn?

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

What does a cover letter look like?

Page #3

Cover Letter

Handout

Note: Cover letters should not exceed one page!!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Let’s write a cover letter together!!!

See Cover Letter Handout!!

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 Services2101 City HallBuffalo, New York 14202

Counseling Theories Working with individuals,

groups and family Services related to drug

abuse Management Experience

Introduction Intro should focus on hiring authority &

organization- NOT YOU!

State why you are writing (Application, Referral, Inquire)

Capture their attention

Show your knowledge

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.

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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

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

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

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 23 rd, 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.

Format 1 http://

www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/pdffiles/coverletters07/application2.pdf

Format 2 http://

www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc/pdffiles/coverletters07/application1.pdf

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

Other Examples on CDC Website http://

bsccdc01.buffalostate.edu/cdc/cdc_home.php

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

Example: Your AddressCity, State ZipDate

Individual's NamePositionOrganization NameAddressCity, 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 andexperience to the position we discussed.

(Write a sentence or two here whose purpose is to recall, accent or supply an afterthought to informationexpressed at the interview.)

If I can provide you with any additional information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from youvery soon.

Sincerely,

(Your signature)

Your typed name

Questions??? Email me anytime:valentc01@buffalostate.edu