Cover Letters and Thank You Notes
-
date post
18-Oct-2014 -
Category
Career
-
view
1.576 -
download
1
description
Transcript of Cover Letters and Thank You Notes
![Page 1: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Peer Learning and Leadership Network
Cover Letters and Thank You Notes
![Page 2: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Use Chat box to
communicate with
chairperson
Use Hide Chat for a cleaner,
uncluttered webinar
Select Full Screen to maximize presentation; minimizes chat feature Webinar Layout
![Page 3: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Materials and an archived version of this webinar will be available at www.discoverabilitynj.org
![Page 4: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Agenda• Cover Letters and Thank You Notes
– Purpose
– Preparation
– Structure/Format
– Tips for Writing
![Page 5: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
COVER LETTERS
![Page 6: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
A Cover Letter is not. . .
![Page 7: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
A Rehash of your resume. . .
![Page 8: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
A generic form letter
![Page 9: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
A Cover Letter is. . .
• A 30-second commercial
• An opportunity to add context to your resume
• A place to clear up confusion/concern
• One possibility for addressing disability disclosure (when appropriate)
![Page 10: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Preparation
![Page 11: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Do your research!
![Page 12: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
You should know. . .
• Details on job and company
• Key skills, qualifications, etc.
• Name and address of key contact to address (no “Dear Sir or Madam”!)
![Page 13: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Complete the “T”
![Page 14: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Completing the “T”
1. Review job posting and/or company info2. Identify employer needs, relevant keywords
– For job– For company/culture
3. Fill in job seeker info to complete the T.
4. If you can’t complete The T—DON’T APPLY!
5. If you can, develop your resume/cover letter
![Page 15: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
A Cover Letter Formula
![Page 16: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Four Paragraphs
1. Capture employer’s attention
2. Customized details of professional experience.
3. Relate yourself to the company/why you’re a great fit.
4. Pro-active closing requesting action.
![Page 17: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
How to Capture Attention
• Mention networking contact by name“I was speaking to Jane Doe at the Chamber of
Commerce meeting yesterday and she suggested that I would be a perfect candidate for your open warehousing position.”
• Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
![Page 18: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
• Features—1-2 things that make you stand out
• Benefits—how these features benefit the employer
![Page 19: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
A Formula for Your USP
• "Because of my _______, I can do _______ for you better than typical applicants."
![Page 20: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
For example. . .
• "I have five years of information technology experience. My expertise is in technical support and troubleshooting computer problems. My technical knowledge will be beneficial in reducing call waiting times and will substantially improve the efficiency of your technical support center."
![Page 21: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Four Paragraphs
1. Capture employer’s attention
2. Customized details of professional experience.
3. Relate yourself to the company/why you’re a great fit.
4. Pro-active closing requesting action.
![Page 22: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Tips for Second Paragraph
• Provide more information on benefits mentioned in 1st paragraph.
• Stress accomplishments and achievements.• Use solid action verbs.• If you lack experience, focus on transferable
skills related to the position. • CUSTOMIZE TO JOB AND COMPANY!
![Page 23: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Four Paragraphs
1. Capture employer’s attention
2. Customized details of professional experience.
3. Relate yourself to the company/why you’re a great fit.
4. Pro-active closing requesting action.
![Page 24: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Tips for Third Paragraph
• Demonstrate knowledge of the company and position:– Industry trends and issues– Specific challenges faced by company
• Highlight your accomplishments, qualities, etc. that show the “fit.”
![Page 25: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Four Paragraphs
1. Capture employer’s attention
2. Customized details of professional experience.
3. Relate yourself to the company/why you’re a great fit.
4. Pro-active closing requesting action.
![Page 26: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Tips on Final Paragraph
• Express confidence that you are the perfect fit.
• Ask for interview• Notify employer that you plan to follow up
with a call within a specific time. • Include email address and phone number
![Page 27: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Cover Letter Checklist for Success
• Is your cover letter addressed to specific individual?
• Do the opening sentences “grab” the employer’s attention?
• Is the letter customized to the specific position and company?
• Does the letter show how you will benefit the employer?
![Page 28: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Cover Letter Checklist for Success
• Do you demonstrate expertise by using industry jargon?
• Do you include specific examples of relevant accomplishments?
• Is the letter succinct?• Is the letter authentic, conveying a sense of
who you are as a person?
![Page 29: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Cover Letter Checklist for Success
• Did you include all requested information mentioned in the ad, such as job reference number, employment availability?
• Does it end with a confident call for action?• Does it include contact information?• Did you sign the letter?
![Page 30: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Email Cover Letters
• Follow employer instructions—attachment or in body of email?
• Subject Line– Include reference to job, but highlight
qualifications (“Experienced Call Center Support Staff for Opening in Call Center”)
• Include contact information in your email signature
![Page 31: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
![Page 32: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
THANK YOU LETTERS
![Page 33: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Thank You Letters are. . .
• Good interview follow-up etiquette
• Opportunity to sell yourself to the employer again.
![Page 34: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Use a thank you letter to. . .
• Comment on what you liked about the company, the job, the people, etc.
• Reinforce your qualifications and fit for the job.
• Address a concern or answer a question that came up during the interview.
• Reiterate your interest in the position.
![Page 35: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Thank You Letter Tips
1. Follow-up promptly—don’t wait!2. Address individually—one per person you
interviewed with.3. Be specific—mention something memorable
from the interview.4. Reiterate qualifications.5. Express your interest. 6. Hand written, typed or email?
![Page 36: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
![Page 37: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Addressing a Disability
![Page 38: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
In a Cover Letter
• Bring up if:– You need interview accommodations—be specific
about what you will need– Obvious disability and want to prepare
interviewer.
• Do NOT lead with disability—mention in final paragraph.
• Focus on qualifications
![Page 39: Cover Letters and Thank You Notes](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022051322/544250bfafaf9fe7098b45e2/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
In a Thank You Note
• Mention only if you disclosed during interview.
• Use Thank You to reiterate qualifications and address any lingering concerns the employer may have.
• Emphasize qualifications and your “fit” with the company.