BRO Time – April 18, 2012

According to a 2001 SHRM survey, 96 percent of job seekers use the

Internet to search for openings. Only 48 percent of job seekers, however, were able to secure a job from an

online posting. The most effective job seeking tactic was found to be

personal contact / networking, which secured jobs 78 percent of the time.

Do you think people are becoming more technology savvy at the

expense of good personal communication skills &

networking? Why or why not?

Today’s Agenda BRO Time Discussion Cover Letters Informational Article Lesson & Notes Cover Letter Template

Organize Portfolio

Writing a Cover LetterApril 18, 2012

What is a Cover Letter?Tells the

employer about you and why you are applying

Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

Purpose of a Cover Letter

Introduces you and who you are

Explains why you are sending a resume

Makes a good impression

Demonstrates professionalism

Formatting a Cover

Letter

LayoutAs with all

professional business

letters, a cover letter should be written in block format.

Cover Letter Contents

Use simple language

Be short & concise

Proofread! All cover letters should be error-free.

Parts of a Cover Letter

Contact InformationYour full nameStreet AddressCity, StateZip CodePhone NumberEmail Address

The contact information on your cover letter should match your resume!

DateWrite out the full

date!

April 18, 2012

Employer InformationName

Job Title

Company’s Full Address

Address your letter to the hiring

manager of the company. If you’re not sure who it is, do some research

to find out!

SalutationBusiness letters use only the

following prefixes: Mr. Ms. Dr.

Address the hiring manager by their last name

Paragraph #1Explain why you are

writing

Indicate the position you would like to apply for

Explain how you heard about the job opening

Paragraph #2Describe what

you have to offer the employer

Match your abilities with their needs

Refer to your qualifications

Paragraph #3Ask for an

interview!Thank the

employer for considering you

Explain how & when you will follow up

Complimentary CloseUse a professional closing

Respectfully yoursBest regardsSincerely

Include your handwritten signature & typed signature

Your Turn!Use the Cover Letter Template worksheet to begin organizing

your information as if you were preparing to write a cover letter for your summer part-time job.