|
|
Cover
Letter Pointers
Did you Know…
“that experts tell us that the
average adult attention span when reading is only 8 seconds. That
means you have the time it takes your heart to beat 12 times to
capture the reader’s attention."
(Cited
from: “The Kingston Whig Standard” –Cauleen Viscoff
and Gloria Whitfield – la Boss)
Intent:
- to introduce the applicant to the reader
- to reveal your ability to articulate and communicate
clearly
- to capture the reader’s interest
- to promote the applicant’s characteristics
such as: desire, enthusiasm, and interest in the position
- to create enough curiosity in the reader so that
the resume is read
Style:
- to address the person or people responsible for
receiving the cover letter and resume
- organize the cover letter logically using the
following format; introduction, body of the letter and closing
paragraph
- follow the correct format for creating the cover
letter
- use the same font style for both the cover letter
and resume
- send an original letter; not copies that look
mass produced
- focus your letter and tailor your information
to the position applied for
- ensure the cover letter is clean, concise, clearly
written and error free
Content:
- include your return address, date, inside address,
salutation, and reference number or position title (if required).
Refer to: How to Write a
Cover Letter
Introductory or First paragraph
- Indicate where and when you saw the ad and the
position applied for
- May also indicate your interest
- May also reference your resume
- A recent grad may also indicate certificate, diploma
or degree(s) granted (E.g. As a recent graduate from St. Mary’s
University, with a degree in Journalism, I am eager to begin
a career as a reporter for the Journal News.)
Second Paragraph (Get to the point
here and strut your stuff!)
(Refer to:How to Type a Cover
Letter.)
- May reference past work experience that is relevant
to the position
- May mention accomplishments or achievements
- May include skills or abilities acquired through
practical experience
- May include soft skills or characteristics to
show your desire, innovation, and creative ability for example
- Could bullet your skills that match the job requirements
- Provide a match-up column where you identify the
requirements of the prospective employer in one column and how
your skills match up in an adjacent column
Third Paragraph (This could be
a closing paragraph or may also be part of the body of the letter
where you are discussing further relevant experience.)
- May expand on additional qualifications that are
pertinent to the position but not that obvious in the Resume
- May note special qualifications or other relevant
experience that enhances your application for the position
- May be an opportunity to express how past experience
is relevant and how you can meet the requirements of the position
Fourth Paragraph (There may
be a fourth paragraph, but this is not always the case. However,
should the cover letter contain a 4th paragraph, then
it would be the closing paragraph.)
- You may express your keen interest in the position
- Request an interview but not inconveniencing the
prospective employer
- State where or how you can be reached
|
