Transcript Creating an Award Winning Cover Letter

Creating an Award Winning
Cover Letter
MIS 424
Dr. Jennifer Leonard
Contents of the Letter
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heading
Addressee
Greeting
Introduction
What I can do for you Professionally
What I can do for you Personally
Contact me
Closing
Heading
• Use the same layout as your résumé. This
is very professional looking.
• Use a READABLE FONT
• Make sure your phone number and other
contact information is correct.
• Make sure that there is ALWAYS someone
to answer the phone
– Answering machine
– Cell phone with voice messaging
Examples
versus
versus
Addressee
• Know the name and title of the person to
whom you are writing.
• If not, know the title
– If you don’t know, try to find out
– If you can’t find out – use something generic
“Human Resources Director”
• Know the address of the company to
whom you are writing.
• MAKE SURE THESE ARE CORRECT!
Examples
•
•
•
•
•
•
Jennifer Leonard, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer Leonard
Professor Jennifer Leonard
Jennifer Leonard, Information Systems
Jennifer Leonard, Professor of MIS
NOT!!!!
– Jenny Leonard
– Ms. Jenny Leonard
– Mr. ****
– Brett Smith
Greeting
• Use name if you know it
– Dear Dr. Leonard,
– Professor Leonard,
– Dear Jennifer,
• If not, some suggestions:
– Greetings,
– Dear Sir or Madame, (I hate this!)
– Hello,
– Omit it totally
Introduction
•
•
•
•
•
•
What job do you want?
Where did you hear about it?
Do you have a personal reference?
Short “gotcha” sentence
Be excited!
DO NOT:
– I am writing with respect to… (I know you are
writing – I have the letter in front of me.)
– Enclosed please find my résumé…(Gee, I
hope so!)
Examples
• I was pleased to see your ad for a Web
Master in this morning’s Gazette.
• I would like to thank you for the
opportunity to apply for your Web Master
position.
• Your ad for a Web Master in yesterday’s
Gazette really sparked my interest.
• John Smith recently told me that you are
looking for a web master.
Another Example
• I was very excited to find your ad in the
Billings Gazette for a Web Master. Your
organization will need someone who is
results oriented and has extensive
managerial and web design experience. I
have both!
Professionally
• A few short sentences about qualifications
required that you have
• Try to keep “me”, “my” and “I” to a
minimum
• Use “You” and “your” as much as possible.
Example
• Your new Web Master will need to have
good project management skills. At XYZ
Company, I was the project manager for
six different projects ranging from being
the head web designer to creating the
websites from scratch. All of these projects
were brought in on-time and on-budget.
Additionally, I can bring you highly
developed skills in both FrontPage and
DreamWeaver.
Personally
• Blow your own horn!
• Tell the truth!
• Don’t tell about the bad things
– “Even though I spent 14 years in prison for
murdering my old boss, I have learned how to
work well with others.”
• Sell Yourself
Example
• NO
I am very detailed oriented, which is
something you need in a wed master.
• YES
In addition to my professional qualifications,
you deserve an individual who is on-time,
dedicated, and knows how to “think cow”. I
am that person!
Contact Me
• Thanks!
• Be upbeat!
• Don’t put too many limits on contacting
you.
– I am available after 5pm to take your call.
– Fridays at noon is the best time to reach me.
• Say you will contact them
• Make sure that you give your contact
information AGAIN. Don’t make them look
for it!
Examples
• If I may, I will call your office on Thursday
to see when we may schedule a time to
discuss how we may be of benefit to each
other.
• I appreciate the time you took to look over
my résumé. I hope that I will hear from you
soon, as I am very excited about the
prospect of joining your team.
More examples
• I am very excited about the prospect of
joining your team. You may reach me at
406-256-6057 at any time (just leave a
message) or e-mail me at
[email protected]. Thank you for
your time and I look forward to meeting
you.
Closing & Enclosures
• Closing
– Sincerely,
– Yours truly,
• Enclosures
– Enc: Résumé
– Enclosure: Résumé
Things to watch…
• Spelling
– Wed Master (Web Master)
– Report (Rapport)
• Grammar
– I have improved my manager, people and
phone skills.
– Past experiences
– I was responsible for the performance of all
the employees, including the service
department.
More things
• More weird stuff
– I would appreciate it if you would keep this
inquiry confidential.
– As my present employer is unaware of my
current job search, I would appreciate it if you
would keep this inquiry confidential.
• Other Stuff
– Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES use your
employers’ phone or e-mail address,
letterhead, etc!!!!
REMEMBER
• Your reader has a very short attention
span
• Don’t repeat what is in your résumé
• Don’t include tons of personal information
• Don’t tell my why you are unhappy with
your job or why you left your last job.
MAKE ME WANT TO LOOK AT YOUR
RESUME AND TALK TO YOU!