WorkOne Job Letters Workshop

Overview

• This presentation will cover– Cover letter basics– Cover letter sections– Cover letter design– Cover letter samples– Follow up letters

Cover Letter Basics

• What is a cover letter?– A document that explains your job goals, education,

job history– Cover letters also explain why you are capable of

filling the job position

• Why do I need a cover letter?– Employers use cover letters to

• Get more information than provided on résumé• See who can do a job• Read about your past jobs, skills• See if you can write/communicate• Decide which applicant will be interviewed

Cover Letter Basics

• What is the goal of my cover letter?– To get an interview!

Cover Letter Basics

• What should my cover letter contain?– Heading– Introduction– Body paragraphs (support information)– Closing

Cover Letter Basics

• What should my cover letter accomplish?– Show employer you have tailored the letter to

the company, job– Explain your experiences in a clear way that

matches the information from your résumé– Explain your experiences that relate to the

job you want– Explain how your experiences/skills will help

the employer fulfill job requirements– Provide a good example of your

communication skills

Cover Letter Headings

• Headings should contain:– Date you are writing– Your mailing address– Email address, if you have one

(professional tone; no hotchick@gmail.com)

– Address of employer

Cover Letter Introductions

• Introductions should:– Greet specific person (if possible)– State position you are applying for, how you

heard about it– Explain why you are a good match for job,

company– Introduce two examples from your résumé

you will use to explain why you can do job

Cover Letter Introductions

• Here are two example introductions:

Cover Letter Body Paragraphs

– Body paragraphs should:• Support your argument that you are qualified for

job, good match for company• Explain the two examples from your résumé you

use to support your points

– First body paragraph example:

Cover Letter Body Paragraphs

– Second body paragraph example:

Cover Letter Body Paragraphs

• Another example of a body paragraph

Cover Letter Closings

• Closings should:– Restate your qualifications– Ask for an interview– Provide contact information– Reference résumé– Thank employer– Close politely– Remember to sign your name, list enclosures

Cover Letter Closings

• Sample closing:

Letter Language

Avoid weak language:

I worked as a ramp agent at Comair.

Strong language:

As a ramp agent, I assisted in loading baggage, oversaw fueling the aircraft, and stocked commissary items on the aircraft.

“Translate” language employers may not know (military):

Received and stored bulk and package petroleum, oils, and lubricants products. Vs. Coordinated and distributed petroleum products and monitored quality control

systems.

Letter Tips

• Avoid unprofessional language

• Letter length– Letter should only be one page

• Strongest and most relevant qualifications should be highlighted– Limit to a few qualifications

• Easy to read– Begin with topic sentences

More Letter Tips

• Appeal to company values, attitudes, goals, projects, etc.

• Explain how you will help organization• Elaborate on the information in your

résumé• Provide evidence of your qualifications• Proofread carefully for grammatical

and typographical errors

More Letter Tips

• What do I do about any times I was not working?– Short breaks in work experience shouldn’t

hurt your chances– Be ready to talk about what you did:

• Volunteerism• Faith-based activities• Family-related responsibilities

More Letter Tips

• What should I do if I have been incarcerated?– Be honest– Talk about what you did while you were

serving your sentence:• GED• Vocational training• Faith-based activities

More Letter Tips

• What should I do if I am transitioning from military to civilian life?

– Help your civilian employer understand what you did in the military by “translating” terms:

Military terms: Received and stored bulk and package petroleum, oils, and lubricants products. Issued and dispensed bulk fuels and water from storage and distribution facilities to using units. Selected and submitted samples of petroleum, oils, and lubricants to laboratory for testing. Performed petroleum and water accounting duties (from Army Pamphlet 611-21).

Civilian terms: Coordinated and distributed petroleum products and monitored quality control systems.

Cover Letter Design

• You may choose between:

Block Modified Block

Cover Letter Design

– Or:

Semi-block

Cover Letter Samples

Dear Mr. Lee:

I read in the June 7, 2009 Journal and Courier employment section that Hoosier Distribution is hiring a warehouse worker and truck driver, and I would like to speak with you about this job. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills make me a good match for Hoosier Distribution. Also, my warehouse experience and excellent driving record at Small Car Parts International make me a good candidate for this job.

As a warehouse worker and deliver driver for Small Car Parts International in Lafayette, I lifted and carried boxes well over 100 pounds, tracked inventory, and I used maps and directions to deliver car parts. I also interacted with gas station and auto mechanic shop employees to conduct business. As a pizza delivery driver for Ernie’s Premier Pizza, I drove routes in a heavily trafficked urban and suburban areas, interacted with delivery customers to conduct business, and worked with employees and customers from diverse ethnicities and cultures. I believe that my warehouse and driving experience will make me a strong member of your distribution team.

I am looking forward to meeting with you about the warehouse and truck driver position. I am sure that my strong work ethic and experience can help Hoosier Distribution maintain a high level of service. If you have any questions, please call me at 765-123-4567. For your reference, I have included my résumé. Thank you for taking the time to review my documents.

Cover Letter SamplesDear Ms. Millhouse:

I saw your flier at Lafayette Beauty Academy for the cosmetologist position, and I would like to speak with you about this job. My strong work ethic and solid teamwork skills will make me a valuable member of your staff. In addition, my experience at the JCPenny Salon will allow me to start work with you immediately without much training. I am an Indiana state licensed cosmetologist (# 345689990), and I really enjoy working with people in a salon environment.

As a salon assistant and receptionist at the JCPenny Salon at Tippecanoe Mall, I gained experience working in a salon by assisting cosmetologists in washing hair, cleaning, tracking inventory. When working as a receptionist, I performed point of sales transactions and helped customers schedule appointments. During my training at Lafayette Beauty Academy, I acquired the skills necessary to work as a licensed cosmetologist, maintained an excellent attendance record, and scored high on all tests. I believe that these experiences will enable me to begin work in your salon without much training.

As a licensed cosmetologist, I can clean, sterilize, and disinfect areas and equipment, and I can order, receive, inspect, and store equipment, merchandise, and supplies. In addition, I can perform manicures and makeup applications and give scalp treatments and shampoos, as well as cut, shape, style, tint, rinse and dye client’s hair according to existing cosmetology practices. Lastly, I can give permanents and work on a variety of synthetic and human wigs.

I am looking forward to meeting with you about your cosmetologist position. I am sure that my strong work ethic and experience can help your salon maintain a high level of service. If you have any questions, please call me at 765-123-4567. For your reference, I have included my résumé. Thank you for taking the time to review my documents.

Follow Up & Thank You Letters

• Follow up letters– State that you are still interested in job– Ask whether or not employer has received your

documents– Explain that you are waiting to hear what to do

next

• Thank you letters– Thank employer for job interview– State that you are still interested in job– Ask whether or not job has been filled– Explain that you are waiting to hear what to do

next

Follow Up Letter SampleDear Alex Carson:

Two weeks ago, I submitted a résumé and cover letter in response to your job ad for the welder apprentice position (#46). I am following up to make sure you received these documents. I am still very interested in interviewing for the job if you have not yet hired someone.

I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss the welder apprentice position and how I can help A & D Industries. I feel that my years of welding experience will allow me to be a valuable member of your team. If you have not received my résumé and cover letter, I would be happy to resubmit them or drop them off in person.

If you have any questions, please call me at 765-123-4567. You may also email me at kmjones@gmail.com.

Thank You Letter SampleDear Alex Carson:

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the welder apprentice position (#46) at A & D Industries. I enjoyed speaking with you and am still very interested in working for A & D.

I realize that the welder apprentice position can be challenging because of the long hours and hectic work environment. However, I am sure that my years of welding and experience working in fast-paced jobs will allow me to excel at A & D Industries.

It was a pleasure meeting with you and learning more about the welder apprentice position at A & D Industries. I look forward to hearing from you about the position. If you have any questions, please call me at 765-123-4567. You may also email me at kmjones@gmail.com.

Cover Letter Help

• Access hundreds of cover letter resources at the Community Writing and Education Station (CWEST):

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/

• Visit your local WorkOne office. To find locations, use this Website:

http://www.in.gov/dwd/WorkOne/

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