presented by: the office of career development smith uc suite 210 (843) 661-1676
TRANSCRIPT
Presented by:The Office of Career DevelopmentSmith UC Suite 210(843) 661-1676
Promote Yourself and
Resume
Cover Letter Workshop
A well written cover letter helps convince the employer to look at your resume and is your first chance to make a good impression.
First Impression
Your Address City, State Zip
The Date
Letter Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title Company Name Company Address
Dear Mr. or Mrs.
Paragraphs
Condolence
Handwritten Signature Your Name Typed
Block Format (hard copy)
The Date
Letter Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title Company Name Company Address
Dear Mr. or Mrs.
Paragraphs
Condolence
Your Name Typed Your Address City, State Zip
Block Format (Email)
State the following:
• The job position• How you learned of the position• Discuss why you are a good
candidate for the position
First Paragraph : Introduction
Do• Explain what you can do for
the employer• Be straightforward• Be confident in your
abilities.
ExampleEx. I am the ideal candidate for this position…Ex. I am a hard working, self-motivated individual…
First Paragraph : Tips
Don’tState what you expect the position to do for you
AvoidEx. This position will allow me to move to a new town.Ex. I hear the pay for this position is great.Ex. I would like a nine to five job so I can do other things on the weekends.
First Paragraph : Tips
State the following:
• Explain what skills qualify you for the position• How you’ve earned the skills• Why these skills will help the
employer
Second Paragraph : Skills
Do• Pick only a few (2 to 3) of the
best skills related to the position
Second Paragraph : Tips
Don’t• Copy your resume onto the
cover letter• Over-qualify yourself with too
many skills• List skills not related to the
position
State the following:
• Indicate that the resume or other material are also attached.• State that you will be calling
the employer for an interview or will be in town for an interview at a certain date.
Third Paragraph : Get The Interview
Thank the employer for their consideration and time spent reviewing your application
Four Paragraph : Thank You
Do• Reflect a positive attitude• Keep the cover letter to one
page• Tailor your cover letter to the
job• Use spell check• Keep sentences clear and
simple• Alternate sentence length to
hold the reader’s interest.
Overall Tips
Don’t• Weaken statements with “I
feel” or “I believe” • Use a generic cover letter for
all employers• Start every sentence with
“I…”• Announce weaknesses• Include an autobiography
Overall Tips
Cover Letter Sample
OFFICE OF CAREER
DEVELOPMENTSuite 210, University Commons
843-661-1676www.fmarion.edu/students/career