Cover LettersFor EFDAs

Presented by Graham Bottrel, Director of Career & Transfer Services

So What Is A Cover Letter???

It’s one of your job search tools.

It ‘covers’ something your resume doesn’t.

It communicates your interest in a position.

It states why you are qualified for the position.

Common Cover Letter QuestionsWhy Do I Need It?What Do I Need?How Do I Write One?

Why Do I Need A Cover Letter? The cover letter is

your ticket to ask for a job interview.

It’s an introduction of you – a preview of what is to come.

If written well, it should interest the employer to read your resume or if crafted poorly, the employer will toss it!

What Will I Need?

The Employment Posting

Just One Thing…

EFDA NEEDEDWe are looking for a certified EFDA with excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to grow with our three doctor specialty dental practice in Center City Philadelphia.

Our hygiene pool is expanding, although during the growth phase of your production at our practice we will need you to assist periodontal and dental implant surgeries. This is an excellent opportunity to grow and gain a firm understanding of periodontal therapy while assisting.

At the moment our needs are part-time as follows: Hygiene - Thursday PM, Friday AM Assisting - Tuesday AM, Thursday AM & every other Monday Full day

Email cover letter and resume to: abcdentalcare@yahoo.com 

How Do I Write It?Just like a resume, there is a specific layout used when creating your cover letter. This format is as follows:

Date

Employer’s Mailing Address

Salutation

First Paragraph

Second Paragraph

Closing Paragraph

Closing

Employer Contact Info SamplesMr. Charles SweettoothDirector of Human ResourcesDental Mental123 Root Canal, Suite 100Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Ms. Geena MinkleGeneral ManagerSmiles-R-US456 Frown DriveUpset, MN 49254

Salutation ExamplesDear Dr. Ralph Mouth,

Dear Mr. J. Hopkins,

Dear Mrs. Rasputen,

Dear Ms. Marchelowtiz,

Dear Professor Smith,

Dear Father Mitchell,

Try your best to identify to whom you should address your cover letter. Sometimes, it just takes a phone call to the company, reviewing their company website, etc. Take that extra step!

But, What If I Still Can’t Figure It Out?

First Paragraph & Example

This paragraph should contain 3 key components:1. Provide the reason why you are writing the

letter.2. State the source of the job opening.3. Express interest in the position.

Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant position with Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

Second Paragraph & ExampleThis paragraph should contain 3 key components:1. Highlight any job qualifications and education while

connecting them to the position you are applying.2. Be honest with your skill set.3. Don’t repeat word for word what is on your

resume.What Can You Expound On That Is Not On Your

Resume?Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting at Harcum College. While completing several clinicals including Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as a Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.

Closing Paragraph & Example

This paragraph should contain 4 key components:1. Request an interview or announce the next

step.2. Express your continued interest in the position.3. Provide a method and information for

contacting you.4. Thank them!!!

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Dental Hygienist position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Closing ExampleFollow your closing paragraph with:Sincerely,Very Truly Yours,Sincerely yours,

After this closing, hit your enter key 4 times and then type your name.Make sure you sign your letter in the space you just created.

Sincerely,

Robert H. Harpon

Robert H. Harpon

Enclosure

What’s This????

January 20, 2010

Mr. Charles SweettoothDirector of Human ResourcesDental Mental123 Root Canal, Suite 100Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Dear Mr. Sweettooth,

Please accept my cover letter and enclosed resume for the Expanded Function Dental Assistant position with Dental Mental as posted in the Dental Journal. After reviewing the posting and reviewing your company website, I believe I am a strong candidate to be considered for this position.

Recently, I completed my Associate’s degree in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting at Harcum College. While completing several clinicals including Dental Aspire, I gained a deeper understanding and, in turn, developed a stronger skill set in educating patients. Eventually, I took on more responsibility of educating patients which I greatly enjoyed. Also, I was very impressed about the importance of team work in the workplace. Besides my education and recent experience in the field, I have developed strong customer service and decision-making skills from previous employment. I believe my education and experiences have allowed me to develop both the technical and human relation skills which are crucial to being successful as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant.

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualification for the Expanded Functions Dental Assistant position. Please review my enclosed resume and feel free to contact me at (610)555-5551. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Sincerely,

Robert H. Harpon

Robert H. Harpon

Enclosure

Putting It All Together…

Can I Use It Over & Over?

Cover Your Resume

Check For Typos!Be Concise

Personalize it

Follow The Directions

Ensure Sentence Quality

Market Yourself

SAVE THEM!!!

Cover Letter Tips