Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER WORKSHOP...

Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources

Cover Letter WorkshopCover Letter Workshop

COVER LETTER WORKSHOP

Facilitator Check List



CHECK IN

• Introductions of group members

• Individual and group goals for the workshop

• Ice Breaker



ICE BREAKER!!!

Training GamesCover Letter Word Search



OBJECTIVE

• To provide the skills and tools for creating and preparing your own cover letter.



AGENDA

• What is a cover letter?

• What is the purpose of a cover letter.

• Contents of a cover letter?

• Why researching the company is so important.

• Customizing your cover letter.



WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?



A cover letter is a formal introduction to your resume and accompanies it when applying for a job.

Cover Letter Worksheet Cover Letter ExampleCover Letter Checklist



WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER?



Presents your interest, qualifications, and availability to the employerIts YOUR chance to make a good first impression



ACTIVITY BREAK


Do’s and Don’ts



A good cover letter will prompt an employer to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume

A bad cover letter or no cover letter is enough to cause an employer to move on to the next applicant.



TYPES OF COVER LETTERS

Letter of Application Cover Letter Inquiry T-Zone Cover Letter



CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER

• Headings

• Salutation/Greeting

• Opening paragraph

• Middle paragraph

• Closing paragraph

• Yours Truly/Sincerely

• Signature and enclosure



TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER

• Tell the employer why you would be valuable to the company, how you can deliver results.

• Back up your skills with accomplishment statements relating to the position and company’s goals from your past experiences.



TARGETTING YOUR COVER LETTER

• Address the letter to a specific reader

• Include your objective, accomplishments, and your interest in the position. This shows you took the time to read and learn about the position.



ACTIVITY BREAK


Cover Letter Building Cards



HEADINGS

Your Heading• Name • Address• City, Province, Postal

Code• Phone number • Date

Companies Heading• Name of Employer• Title of Employer• Name of Organization• Address• City, Province, Postal

Code

Cover Letter Examples of Branding



SALUTATIONS/GREETING

Preferred Salutations• Dear Mr.• Dear Mrs.• Dear Ms.• Dear Dr.• Dear Sir or Madam

Alternate Salutations• Attention: Personal

Manager• Attention: Name of

Organization Representative

Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”Cover Letter



COVER LETTER OPENING• The position you are applying for and the

competition number if given• Where you saw the posting. Include name and

date of publication• If you were referred for the position, give the

name of that person• Express your interest for the position



OPENING EXAMPLE

• Please accept my resume in response to the posting for the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a long time customer of ABC Company and knowing your products and services are ones I can proudly stand behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your team. As you will see my experience and qualifications are a perfect fit for the position.



OPENING EXAMPLE

• Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly that my experience and qualifications would be an excellent fit for your organization.

Cover Letter



COVER LETTER BODY• Why you are suited for the job

• How your skills and qualifications match the specific job requirements listed in the add

• Include related experience, training, and attributes

• Try to list at least 2 examples



RESEARCH THE COMPANY

• What makes that company/organization

• Why are they there?

• Hiring trends/employment needs

• The companies history

• Desired qualifications and skills

• General job informationhttp://www.google.com



BODY CONTINUETELL THE READER:What makes you well suited to the job or company• How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission,

vision and values of the organization.• Talk about why you are the right type of person for this

job/team or company• Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their

employee puzzle.• Focus on the EMPLOYER



BODY EXAMPLE

• I am confident that my experience along with my educational background and commitment to professional excellence will enable me to serve both you and your clients/customers well.



BODY EXAMPLE

• I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys interacting with others. I take pride in building strong customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position.

Cover Letter



CLOSING PARAGRAPH• Restate your interest in the position and mention how

you will be an asset to the company• State your interest in meeting with the employer for an

interview to discuss your skills and passion in person• List your contact information and when you can be

reached to book your interview• Include your home phone number, cell number and or

email address.• Include an action/next step informing the employer you

will be in contact with them.



EXAMPLES• I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my

qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent references upon request. I can b e reached at 604-555-5555 or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

• I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at [email protected].



Best

Better

CLOSING PARAGRAPHS

OK

I look forward to hearing from you soon and having the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for the

position

I would like to thank you for taking the time to

consider my resume. I am looking forward to meeting with you to

discuss this employment opportunity. You can

contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at

[email protected]

I would welcome the chance to meet with you

to discuss how my qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can

provide excellent references upon request. I

can be reached at 604-555-5555 or by email at

[email protected]. I will follow up with a

phone call next week to discuss things further.

Cover Letter



COMMPLEMTARY CLOSINGS

• Yours Truly

• Sincerely

• Respectfully



EXAMPLES

Yours Truly,

B BaristaBarbara Barista

Enclosure: Resume

Sincerely,

B BaristaBarbara Barista

Enclosure: Resume

Cover Letter



FINAL THOUGHTS

• Know and understand what the employer is looking for in their applicants

• Research the company, visit there website, know there mission statement

• Speak to current employees, if possible



Any Questions???



CHECK OUT

• Closing Activity

• Feedback Forms

• Resource Packages

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources Cover Letter Workshop COVER LETTER WORKSHOP...

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