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Transcript of MICHAEL PENWELL, CAREER ADVISOR LYCOMING COLLEGE CAREER SERVICES EMAIL:...
MICHAEL PENWELL, CAREER ADVISORLYCOMING COLLEGE
CAREER SERVICES
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: WWW.LYCOMING.EDU/CAREERSERVICES
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
Communicates availability, qualifications, and interest to employers
Personalizes your resume by accenting strengths relating to the qualifications desired for the position
Serves as a formal letter of application, as a response to a job ad, as a result of referral, or as unsolicited inquiry for employment
The Content of a Cover Letter
Captures reader’s interest, makes reader want to learn more
Explains your reason for interest in employment
Relates your strengths to an employer’s needs
Contains a call to action (a request for the next step)
WHAT TO INCLUDE…
Elements of a Cover Letter
The Basics
Return Address Location: Top right, left, or centered Your Street Address City, State, Zip Code Date
(Above or under return address) 2129 West Third
Street Williamsport, PA 17701 March 22, 2008
Example:
The Basics
Many students are designing letterhead which complements their resume in lieu of return
address information
The Basics
Contact Information – Addressing to Employer Location: Aligned with Left Margin Contact’s Full Name Contact’s Exact Title Contact’s Department Name of Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Code
Example:
Ms. Angela M. VermilyaPresident and CEOLycoming College700 College PlaceWilliamsport, PA 17701
The Basics
Salutation Location: Under contact information Use Official Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., Rev., Sr., Hon., etc.) Last name of Contact
Dear Ms. Vermilya:
Example:
A COVER LETTER INCLUDES AN OPENING PARAGRAPH, MIDDLE PARAGRAPH(S), AND A
CLOSING PARAGRAPH.(DEPENDING ON YOUR WRITING STYLE, IT COULD
BE 3 OR 4 PARAGRAPHS)
The Body Paragraphs
Opening Paragraph
Purpose Captures attention Sets the tone for the letter Builds a match of your qualifications with the
employer’s needs
Opening Paragraph
Methods of accomplishing purpose: State the purpose of the letter Mention name of mutual friend State your top credentials or selling points Name the position, department, and company State source of lead
Middle Paragraph(s)
Purpose: Communicates main selling points Shows that you are the candidate to most benefit
the company Proves that your skills match employer’s needs Creates interest Illustrates personality
Middle Paragraph(s)
Methods of accomplishing purpose: Point to achievements Use action verbs Offer proof of skills and abilities
Closing Paragraph
Purpose: Reemphasizes strengths Makes a request for or offers further action Provides your personal contact information, i.e.
e-mail address, telephone number
Closing Paragraph
Methods of accomplishing purpose: Restate that you are the candidate who best fits
employer’s needs Restate position and company name State time line, specific follow-up information, and
dates Express appreciation for time, effort, and
consideration
Closing
Sincerely,SignatureTyped NameEnclosure:
Resume, References, etc.
Example:Sincerely,
John Dida Greatjob
Enclosures: Resume, References
UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING
FORMATTING SUGGESTIONS IN
COMPOSING YOUR COVER LETTER:
Formatting a Cover Letter
Personalization
Address letter to person with hiring powerDo not address your cover letter: “To whom it
may concern:”State the position sought, organization name,
and if appropriate, the geographic locationMatch your strengths and abilities to the
organization’s specific needs
Personalization
Do not state verbatim the information on your resume
Provide additional information and details which are not on your resume
Cover letters must accompany resumes and employment applications
Length
Cover letters should be one page in length
Appearance
Arrange cover letters using a standard business format
View other sample cover letters for formatting examples
Cover letters should be single spaced
Word Choice
Use positive words and/or action verbs capitalizing on your strengths
Avoid clichés and trite languageAvoid repetition and/or non-descriptive words
including “is,” “or,” “was”Do not abbreviate, or use unnecessary jargonUse concise, specific statements and short
paragraphs
Proofreading
Misspellings, grammatical errors, and improper punctuation are unacceptable
Cover letters must be well organizedAvoid lengthy descriptions. Write lucidly and
concisely.Make sure the company name and title are
consistent in the letterSign your letter
Coordinate with Resume and References
Select a font style that matches your resume and references
Consider developing personal letterhead that carries over from cover letter to resume and reference list.
Use matching paper of good quality
Resume Writing
Most Important information? Your Name! Make it big and bold so your employer can pick you out!
Be sure to put all information. Are you graduating or going on an internship? You want the employer to be able to contact you!
Objective: Why are you writing this resume? What do you want?
Education: What is your degree in? When did you get it? Where did you go? All other information can be used, but does not have to be
Computer Skills: Skills appropriate to your discipline. Not always computer related.
Coursework: Classes you have taken that you believe give you a heightened understanding of the field or job you are applying for.
Experience: Important, but it’s ok if you do not have a lot of it. Summer/Part time Jobs still show reliability and dedication.
Activities: Show off what you have accomplished! Leadership roles, Volunteer activities, Professional affiliations, and co-curricular activities are important to employers.
Honors: Anything that will make you stand out.
Availability: Especially important if applying while still in school. How long after graduation will you need before you can start to work?
Tips
An Employer spends about 15-20 seconds on a resume.
Content should never be more than 1 pageMargins can range from 1 inch to .5 inchesFont = Times New Roman or Arial. (10-12)Do not include references on resume.Begin each sentence with a strong action
verb.Put the most relevant and valuable
information that relates to the position for which you are applying
Action Words
AccomplishedAchievedAnalyzedBudgetedCompiledComposedConfrontedCounseledCultivatedDelegated
DesignedDevelopedEditedEvaluatedExaminedFacilitatedForecastedGainedGeneratedGuided
• Identified• Illustrated• Implemented• Increased• Inspected• Maintained• Managed• Marketed• Motivated• Negotiated
Questions/Comments?
Check out our website for more resume writing tips:
www.lycoming.edu/careerservices
Come to Career Services to have your resume critiqued by a member of our staff!
Want to arrange an appointment?Contact us [email protected]
or call us at 570-321-4034