Writing Cover Letter

Tips to edit Master Clickand Samples subtitle style

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The Body of A Cover Letter

Opening: Tell that you are applying for a job and the source of the info Focus: Tell why you are suited for the job. Action: Tell what you plan to do Closing: Be positive

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Model Cover Letter

November 3, 2010 Ms. Rhonda West Customer Service Manager Acme Inc. 123 Corporate Blvd. Sometown, CO 50802

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Re: Customer Service

Model Cover Letter

Return Address

Michelle Peters 45 agate road London NW6 0AH Tel: 208 999 8977 E-mail: [email protected]

Date

Inside Address

October 3rd, 2011

Maria Sanchez HRD Dept. Net Lives Ltd. 666 Garrison Road

Salutation Opening
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Cambridge CB4 1HD

Dear Ms. Sanchez,

Checklist

Introduction Does your cover letter have a strong opening paragraph, communicating your job target and key strengths within the first few lines of text? Does your cover letter conform to a standard business letter format? (See our cover letter samples.)
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Is your cover letter addressed to a

Checklist

The Body Does the body of your cover letter express

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Checklist

The Body
Did you include all information that was requested, such as a job reference number, employment availability date and salary requirements? Is the content unique? Did you avoid copying text from your resume verbatim? Does your cover letter sound genuine? Does it reflect your personality and make you seem likeable and approachable? 4/29/12

Checklist

Closing Paragraph Did you provide an easy way for employers to contact you, such as a direct phone line and email address? Does your cover letter end with a call to action, confidently requesting an interview?
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Did you remember to sign your letter

Cover Letter Etiquette

Say No to the Cover Letter CopOut The first rule of cover letter etiquette is to send a cover letter -- always. It doesn't matter if the hiring manager didn't ask for it or you're too busy to write one. It's proper business 4/29/12 etiquette to accompany a resume

Cover Letter Etiquette

Be Concise Busy hiring managers don't have time to wade through letters that could pass for dissertations. Get to the point as expeditiously as possible, and break any paragraphs seven lines or longer into short, easily digestible ones. When sending an email cover letter, 4/29/12 brevity is even more important.

Cover Letter Etiquette

Keep It Professional But Friendly While a resume is generally a formal document, cover letters give you a chance to reveal your personality. Not only do you want to show that you're a good fit for the position, but you also want the reader to like you.
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Appropriate use of humor, combined

Cover Letter Etiquette

Get Personal Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. If a job posting doesn't include a person's name, do some research to find out who the correct person is. Try calling the employer (but do respect ads that state "no phone calls"), and ask a receptionist for the 4/29/12 hiring manager's name.

Cover Letter Etiquette

Focus on the Employer's Needs If every other sentence of your letter begins with "I" or "my," you need to change the focus. Research the employer and find out what types of problems managers there are facing, qualities they look for in employees and their future goals.
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Use your letter to prove that you are

Cover Letter Etiquette

Be Original Your cover letter will stand out if you employ some creativity. For example, you could include a brief summary of your toughest sale or most challenging project. You could incorporate excerpts of performance reviews to highlight your record of success. Or, you could 4/29/12 create two columns in your letter to

Cover Letter Etiquette

Proofread Cover letters should be free of errors, so thoroughly proofread them before sending. If proofreading is not your strong suit, get help from someone with meticulous proofreading skills. If you're customizing a cover letter that you use for many positions, 4/29/12 remove any placeholders; this will

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 1: Overusing 'I' Your cover letter is not your autobiography. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word "I," especially at the beginning of your sentences.
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10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 2: Using a Weak Opening When writing a cover letter, job seekers frequently struggle with how to begin. This often results in a feeble introduction lacking punch and failing to grab the reader's interest. Consider this example: Weak: Please consider me for your 4/29/12 sales representative opening.

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 3: Omitting Your Top Selling Points A cover letter is a sales letter that sells you as a candidate. Just like the resume, it should be compelling and give the main reasons you should be called for an interview. Winning cover letter tips include emphasizing your 4/29/12 accomplishments or creating top

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

MistakeNo. 4: Making It Too Long If your cover letter exceeds one page, you may be putting readers to sleep. A great cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects the reader's time.
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10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 5: Repeating Your Resume Word for Word Your cover letter shouldn't regurgitate what's on your resume. Reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your resume's impact. Consider using the letter to tell a brief story, such as "My Toughest 4/29/12 Sale" or "My Biggest Technical

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 6: Being Vague If you're replying to an advertised opening, reference the specific job title in your cover letter. The person reading your letter may be reviewing hundreds of letters for dozens of different jobs. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the 4/29/12 employer's specific needs.

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 7: Forgetting to Customize If you're applying to a number of similar positions, chances are you're tweaking one letter and using it for multiple openings. That's fine, as long as you customize each letter. Don't forget to update the company, 4/29/12 job and contact information -- if Mr.

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 8: Ending on a Passive Note When possible, put your future in your own hands with a promise to follow up. Instead of asking readers to call you, try a statement like this: I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions 4/29/12 you may have. In the meantime, you

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 9: Being Rude Your cover letter should thank the reader for his time and consideration.

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10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake No. 10: Forgetting to Sign the Letter It is proper business etiquette (and shows attention to detail) to sign your letter. However, if you are sending your cover letter and resume via email or the Web, a signature isn't necessary.
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Sample Cover Letter for a Marketing Manager

MARIE JONES 15 Park Way Sometown, CA 55555 Home: 555-555-5555 | Cell: 444-4444444 [email protected] Available to Relocate Aug. 12, 2011

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Ms. Janet Ramos

Exercise: Spot the error in the cover letter below

To: [email protected] Job Opportunities

Secretary. Candidates should be Dear Recruiter, proficient in Microsoft Words and I am responding for the secretarial vacancy posted on have16 in your skills in Excel and august basic Web site. PowerPoint. Some knowledge of I also I have been an executive secretary since five years. have trained other secretarys how to use word processing Access and Lotustype over 90 wpm,plus. very Notes is a and I am and accounting software. I organized. I have attached my resume to this e-mail. I will Successful candidates will meet the e-mail you next week to follow up on my apply. I look firms standardssoon. typing (60 wpm) forward to hear from you for and other skills. E-mail your resume Sincerely yours, to [email protected] 4/29/12

Subject: Secretarial Positioning

Job Advertisement

Receptionist Entry-level position for receptionist in dynamic construction company. You will enter data, greet customers, maintain database, and type memos. Prefer individual with good communication skills. Great compensation. Apply today! Job Experience
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Filling, General Office, Data Entry