English writing

2. Questions to discuss in groups
• What is a cover letter?
• Why do we need one?
• What can we do to tailor our cover letters?

3. What is a cover letter?
• Short, single page letter included with every
application
• Quick way to introduce yourself and get a
taste of you
• Tell the employer why you are sending them
your info
• First impressions count!

4. Why do we need a cover letter?
• Resumes summarize your skills, abilities and
accomplishments
• Explains who you are!
• Gives you the opportunity to reach out as an
individual
• Highlight your qualifications
• Showcase why you are the right choice for the
position

5. Cover Letter Format
• Pg 32 of the reader
• Dear Mr./Mrs. Last Name:*
• PARAGRAPH 1: Because this is your opening paragraph, you want to
make sure it’s strong and draws the reader in. Explain why you are
writing. Describe the job you are applying for, including the position
and job title.
• PARAGRAPH 2: Now we move into the actual text of the letter. This
is where you get to introduce yourself and tell your potential
employer why you are qualified to do the job you are applying for.
This is your chance to let them know what you have to offer and
why your skills and knowledge are perfect for the position. Don’t
forget to tailor based off your research!

6. • PARAGRAPH 3-4: If needed, these are the paragraphs where you
can explain away any concerns an employer might have about your
ability to do the job. It’s also where you can share accomplishments
, success stories, and any other bits of information that will help
convince the hiring manager that they have to bring you in for an
interview.
• FINAL PARAGRAPH: This is where you wrap up your letter. Make
sure to thank them for considering you for the job and let them
know they should feel comfortable reaching out to you with any
questions or concerns not addressed in your letter/resume. This is
also the paragraph where you let them know how you plan on
following up with them. Finally, be sure to direct the hiring manager
to your Your Personal Branding Website so that they are able to get
a feel for who you are as a person. This simple step can land you
way more interviews!
• Sincerely (or any other closing comment),
• Signature/Typed Signature Your Personal Branding Website

7. Types of Cover letters
• Application or Job posting
• Cold call
• Recruitment
• Internship
• No prior experience

8. Tailoring your cover letter
• Careful research of the company
• Id the company’s desired strengths of the
employee they want
• Infuse these qualities
• Support with a real example

9. Top 10 cover letter mistakes
• Short and sweet
• Know what you want and go for it
• Tailor! Tailor! Tailor!
• Cover letters are like snowflakes
• Know your audience
• Proofread
• The key to success lies with keywords
• Be Professional
• Link it up
• Follow-up

10. Let’s talk about salary
• Let’s not!

11. Your Personal Branding Website
• How To Write A Cover Letter (Sample
Included) - The Interview Guys
• theinterviewguys.com/how-to-write-a-cover-
letter-examples-included/
• http://theinterviewguys.com/personal-
website-in-15-minutes/

12. Now What?
• Haven’t heard anything back
• Follow-up note is appropriate
• Mention that your skills and talents are
relevant
• And why you want to work at