WHATWHYHOW

THE COVER LETTER

WHAT

What is a cover letter?Wikipedia Definition- A cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, motivational letter or a letter of motivation is a letter of introduction attached to, or accompanying another document such as a resume or curriculum vitae.

In our language…A cover letter is a personal letter, written by you to a potential employer to let them know who you are and why they should hire you.

WHY

Why should you write a cover letter?Shows you are intelligentShows the employer you are serious about the jobTells the employer why you are qualified for the jobAllows you to persuade the employerHelps set you apart from the competition

In your language…It shows you want the job and your willing to put in the extra effort to show you are serious about the job.

Besides that, you want the job right?

HOW

FirstLet’s take a look at your example cover letter.

Part 1- Heading

Part 2- Body

Part 3- Closing

PART 1 – THE HEADING

Your Address

Date

Their Title

Their Address

Salutation

PART 2 – THE BODY

2 Very Important Parts

Paragraph 1- Introduction and Hook

Paragraph 2- Why you are qualified

PART 2 – THE BODY

Paragraph 1- Introduction and Hook

First Sentence- How you found out about the job-Name Bomb

Second Sentence- What position are you applying for

Third Sentence- (Hook)- Say something that shows you researched the company before applying. Then, paint a picture of how you will help their company.

PART 2 – THE BODY

Paragraph 2- Why you are qualified for the job

Use the actual job description requirements to state that you have all the qualifications for the job.

Also, when telling the employer why you are qualified, use Industry Specific Language through the delivery of your experience.

Part 3 – THE CLOSING

Last Paragraph:

Close the letter with a question asking if you can contact them about scheduling a visit with them.

Then, tell them why you want to visit.

Last part:Complimentary Closing like: Sincerely yours, works just fine.

Skip four lines down and type your name.

Then SIGN IT!!RIGHT

HERE!!!

AND THAT’S IT!!!!

NOT!!

Group Work ActivityEach group must select a leader, a typist and a spokesperson.Each group must create a cover letter based on their chosen job.Each group must have the same number of team members.All team members must participate.You will have 15 minutes to complete this activity.The leader will need to organize their team, ensure that all team members contribute, and help the team finish the activity in the time allowed.Once finished, each group’s spokesperson will present their teams cover letter to the class.

Group Work

Once we finish reading the 3 job choices you will then choose what group to join.

Remember, each group must contain the same number of members as the other groups.

Job Postings- Group WorkGroup 1- BabysitterPart Time (Wasilla)Jan. 27Part time babysitter needed tanaina area from after school till 11p.m. One to two nights a week. Must have own transportation. Please call jill at 775-5847.

Group 2- Sidewalk ShovelingS idewalk shoveling position (Valley)FM2 Inc is in need of a shoveling position in Wasilla/palmer and another position in ANC. Position in the Valley will be approx 10/15 hrs. a week. Pay is DOE. The right person can make up to $18.00. But must have lots of experience and be willing to sign a 60 day employment contract. Please call 907-376-5874 for application details tomorrow. Or send your references to this craigslist ad Must have reliable transportation NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

Group 3- Helper Wanted for Aircraft Mechanic(Palmer/Wasilla Wolf Lake)I am an aircraft Mechanic in need of a helper. Need not have aircraft experience. Need to have interest in Aviation. Experiences good toward A&P license. Prefer a student with Aviation interest. Email me let me who you are, what your goals are and contact info. airplanedude@yahoo.com

Group Work ActivityEach group must select a leader, a typist and a spokesperson.Each group must create a cover letter based on their chosen job.Each group must have the same number of team members.All team members must participate.You will have 15 minutes to complete this activity.The leader will need to organize their team, ensure that all team members contribute, and help the team finish the activity in the time allowed.Once finished, each group’s spokesperson will present their teams cover letter to the class.

Final Rule

You can make anything up that you have to like the address, your experience, names, have fun, but be respectful, and most importantly your group is being graded based on cover letter correctness, so do a good job!!

Job Postings- Group WorkGroup 1- BabysitterPart Time (Wasilla)Jan. 27Part time babysitter needed tanaina area from after school till 11p.m. One to two nights a week. Must have own transportation. Please call jill at 775-5847.

Group 2- Sidewalk ShovelingS idewalk shoveling position (Valley)FM2 Inc is in need of a shoveling position in Wasilla/palmer and another position in ANC. Position in the Valley will be approx 10/15 hrs. a week. Pay is DOE. The right person can make up to $18.00. But must have lots of experience and be willing to sign a 60 day employment contract. Please call 907-376-5874 for application details tomorrow. Or send your references to this craigslist ad Must have reliable transportation NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

Group 3- Helper Wanted for Aircraft Mechanic(Palmer/Wasilla Wolf Lake)I am an aircraft Mechanic in need of a helper. Need not have aircraft experience. Need to have interest in Aviation. Experiences good toward A&P license. Prefer a student with Aviation interest. Email me let me who you are, what your goals are and contact info. airplanedude@yahoo.com