lecture 3.1 how to write a cover letter student notes

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How to write a cover letterLecture 3.1

University of Alberta

ALES 204

Nancy Bray

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Housekeeping

Questions about Assignment #1

iClickers (cross fingers that we will get started this class!)

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iClicker QuestionHow many spelling errors can you find in this poster?

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Lecture Outline

1.Why cover letters?

2.Steps to a good cover letter

3.Deadly sins of grammar

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1. Why cover letters?

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Why do you need one?

6Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.

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Traditional cover letter

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please accept this letter and resume for the position of graphic designer which was posted in the Edmonton Journal on May 10. My work and educational background make me an outstanding candidate. I’m available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Your truly,

Jane Smith

Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.

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A good cover letter can

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8 steps to a good cover letter

1.Research the employer

2.If e-mail: create a good subject line

3.Start with a greeting

4.The lead line

5.The sales pitch

6.The closer

7.Closing line

8.Proofread carefully

9Source: http://susanireland.com/letter/how-to/

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1. Research employer

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2. E-mail subject line

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3. Greeting

If you know the person’s name, use “Dear Mr. / Ms. / Mrs. / Dr. Smith,”

If you don’t know the person’s name, use:

Dear Recruiter, Dear Director, Dear Manager, Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Human Resources Manager, Dear Personnel Manager, Dear Sir or Madam,

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4. The lead line

First line needs to catch the reader’s attention

"Amar Singh recommended I speak with you about your opening for a conversation officer."

The Globe & Mail reported last week that AgraBiz is branching out into Alberta. As an experienced sales rep in Edmonton, I am most interested in helping with your new venture."

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5. The sales pitch

What skills and experience is the employer looking for in the ideal candidate for the job you want?

Which of your achievements demonstrates that you have the skills and experience the employer is looking for?

Which of your personality traits is the employer looking for in the perfect applicant for the position you seek?

Pitch yourself to the employer based on these qualities

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Example #1

"You know you have the right person in the position when you can”

Count on your office operations running smoothly.

Access accurate information regarding your finances at any time”

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Example #2

"My former employer commented that I demonstrate a professionalism lacking in so many (hospitality) management professionals.’ I look forward to contributing this quality to your management team in the near future."

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Example #3

Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.

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Stand out with...

See examples on eClass: Good Cover Letter Examples

Source: Kennedy, J. (2009). Cover Letters for Dummies. Wiley Publishing.

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6. The Closer

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7. Closing line

Regards, Kind regards, Warm regards, Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Yours truly, Cordially, Best, Best wishes, Again, thank you,

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8. Proofread

Proofread, proofread, proofread

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3. Deadly sins of grammar

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Why grammar matters

Poor grammar affects grades and job performance (Connors-Lunsford, Hairston)

But teaching grammar doesn’t help...

Source: Sargent (2005) Bare Bones Writer’s Grammar (on eClass)

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The worst errors

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iClicker question

Which sentence is grammatical?

a. The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.

b. The zombies ate the children, the vampires bit the dogs.

c. Whenever there was a full moon.

d. The zombies ate the children; the vampires bit the dogs; and the adults ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.

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Telling fragments from sentences

1.Make a tag question

2.Make a yes/no question

3.Embed “I believe that”

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Example #1

1.Make a tag question

2.Make a yes/no question

3.Embed “I believe that”

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Example #2

1.Make a tag question

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2. Make a yes/no question

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3. Embed “I believe that”

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Finding clause boundaries

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Example #1

The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.

1.Make a tag question

2. Make a yes/no question

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Example #1

The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.

1.Make a tag question

2.Make a yes/no question

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Example #1

The zombies ate the children the vampires bit the dogs and the werewolves ran away screaming whenever there was a full moon.

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Other things to watch

Capitalization: inconsistent use and over-capitalization. See OWL at Purdue for capitalization rules

Wordiness. Try using the paramedic method

Sloppiness. Ignoring spelling and grammar checks. Not proofreading.

Try SpellCheckPlus

Go to the Centre for Writers

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Take away

Consider ways to stand out with your cover letter

Proofread outloud

Make sure you respect sentence boundaries!

Proofread outloud again

Have someone proofread for you.

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Photo Credits

Roger’s billboard by Nikki V. typewriter by Eye - the world through my I businesswoman by mfrissen first impression by Ivy Dawned good boss by BC Gov Photos proofreading by the Italian voice pyjamas by elvisripley stand out by madchenkrawall