Employability Package

What do I need to submit?

Part 1) Job Posting & Cover Letter

Part 3) 8 Skill Statements

Cover Letter: A good cover letter can direct an employers attention where you want it to go It can highlight important information that may increase your chances for an interview If you have spoken to the employer prior to sending your rsum, it can remind him/ her of your conversation, what you discussed, and what you have to offer the company

Step 1: Thinking about which Skills to Highlight A cover letter should highlight areas of your experience and skills you feel are most suited to the job you are applying for (these are the skills that will land your rsum in the interview pile) It will point out specific aspects of your experience that directly relate to the employers needs

Step 2: Thinking about your Persuasive Strategies If your letter is going to be persuasive, it should use specific strategies and follow a proven format. If written effectively, it will gain attention, sell your strengths and motivate action.

Step 3: Thinking about Important Content Points Tailor your letter to each job you are applying for, matching your objectives, skills, and impacts to the company's needs Match your wording to the job posting In most large companies with formal Human Resource processes, there is a direct connection between the job posting content and the criteria used for selection of interview candidates

The Letter A solicited position means that an employer is hiring. The company has posted a job opportunity in a newspaper or magazine, online, or through a recruiting agency. Select a job posting either for a co-op or summer position, or your dream job or use the job description you created for this course Analyze the content of your job posting; what skills does the employer want? Highlight your strengths and skills that the employer is looking for in his/her advertisement. Write your letter using the persuasive style, following the steps discussed in class and in your textbook

When writing your cover letter, remember that you are making a persuasive request: you are requesting an interview, and you are selling your skills to the employer.

Step 1: Ensure that you have a job advertisement. Submit your selected job description with your cover letter or your letter will not be graded.

Step 2: Follow the guidelines for Persuasive Cover Letters: Ch. 15 as reviewed in class.

Follow the letter format and use the letter outline, located below, to write your three paragraphs: 1. Paragraph 1: Introduction Gain Attention 2. Paragraph 2: Body Sell your Strengths 3. Paragraph 3: Conclusion Motivate Action

Keep the letter to one page Address the cover letter to a specific person: name, title, address, and phone number Avoid Dear Sirs/Madam or To whom it may concern; use a title if the ad does not give enough information to find a persons name: Attn: Selection Committee, Human Resources, Hiring Committee Write out the full name of a person if you are unsure if they are male or female: i.e., Pat Robinson, Terry Brown Remember to sign your letter and include your telephone number Make it visually appealing: easy to read, word processed, white paper, good quality printer

Step 3: Write clearly and concisely with relevant information Show interest and pride for your profession; demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude using written language Maintain a balance between professionalism and sociability Specify how you will follow-up with the employer: additional letter, phone call, email Stay Away From Wasting the employers time by describing skills that are not relevant to the position Apologizing for not having certain skills or experiences Using phrases like hope you will call or hope you will consider my application Photocopying your signature Sending a handwritten cover letter unless the employer asks for one

Step 4: Final Editing Points Limit the use of I when starting sentences. Use a variety of sentence structures throughout your cover letter Proofread, spell check, and have someone else read it. Remember that even one typo could land your cover letter in the employers garbage

Letter Outline

Your Name and Address

Date

Employers Name and Address

Salutation (Dear:)

First Paragraph: Gain Attention

Describe who you are and why you are writing

Mention how you heard about the position

Include your attention grabbing sales pitch

Second Paragraph: Sell your Strengths

Highlight skills (technical or interpersonal) you have that the employer needs

Take skills directly from the ad, if applicable, and paraphrase

Match your skills, abilities, and education to the job posting

Describe your achievements and their impact on the company

Provide a sentence or two linking the companys philosophy/product/service with your interests, goals, and abilities

Third Paragraph: Motivate Action

Wrap-up and thank-you

Always thank the employer for his/her time

Include how he/she can reach you (phone #, email), and the next step

Sincerely,

Your signature in blue or black ink

Your name - typed