4. No longer just one style
Customization is a MUST
Sales document
You should include one
BORING IS OUT!!
5. COVER LETTERS
Should be personalized
Look professional
Target your skills
Focus on the
employer’s
needs
Investigate first,
then write
Brief & error free
6.
7.
8. Dear Mr. Tucker (Kid is networked or informed enough to directly address
the hiring manager)
Application for director (Hiring manager gets what this letter is about)
I am writing to apply to be the new Director of the National Railway Museum.
I am only 6 but I think I can do this job. (Acknowledges a surface limitation,
but immediately discounts it, and boldly asserts competence and
confidence)
I have an electrick train track. I am good on my train track. I can control 2
trains at once. (Demonstrable and relevant skills. Indicates passion for the
work as well. Two trains at once is not easy)
[PHOTO]
I have been on lots of trains including Eurostar and some trains in France.
(Interest and expertise in the field) I have visited the museum before.
(Familiarity with the business) I loved watching the trains go round on the
turntable. (Humanizes and connects at an emotional level)
On the other side is a picture of me.
Hopefully I can come and meet you for an interview. (Asks for the interview)
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. “Please accept
this resume in
response to the
______ position
advertised on the
Minnesota Works
job bank…”
“With over 10 years of
profit-driven project
management experience, I
am confident I am an ideal
candidate for the ______
position advertised on the
Minnesota Works job bank.”
15. Dear Dave,
I call you that because I feel I’ve known you for years.
Dear Mr. Todd:
I would like to aply for the position of editoral asistent
Dear Mr. Todd:
My mother told me I should …
Dear Mr. Todd:
You don’t know me, but …
Dr. Mr. Todd:
Your company appears to be violating the Equal
Opportunities Amendment and to help you rectify the
situation, I would like to…
16. My experiences in office administration and
client services have equipped me with a
multitude of skills including office management,
business operations, and exemplary customer
service. I am confident that my application of
these and my many other skills would be an
asset to your company.
17. Integrity. Innovation. Initiative. If you have these
qualities in mind for the position of _____ then I
suggest we meet to discuss the numerous
qualifications I would bring to your organization.
With my demonstrated track record of
successfully directing pharmacy operations and
introducing initiatives that directly impacted the
bottom line, I am confident that I would be an
excellent fit for the position at _________.
20. TELL THE STORY OF WHY YOU’RE THE PERFECT FIT
“I was in charge of reviewing invoice disputes”
Instead…
“By resolving invoice disputes, I gained a deep
analytical knowledge—but more importantly, I
learned how to interact calmly and
diplomatically with angry customers.”
26. WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THIS COMPANY?
Stories bring your background and experiences
to life, so feel free to tell them…
Did you used to sing along to all of its commercials as a kid?
Did the product make some incredible difference in your life?
Do you sometimes pull into the parking lot and daydream
about what it would feel like to work there?
27. JOB POSTING COVER LETTER
Read the posting
In it’s entirety!
Highlight
Incorporate
28.
29. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY:
“I am an excellent candidate for this position and I look
forward to meeting with you to discuss how I can
contribute to your company”
“Sarah is a very valuable asset to the
work force center. She is knowledgeable,
energetic and is a great teacher. She
works well with all types of people
assisting them to secure a job in this tight
market.”
WorkForce Center Client
30. OTHER FORMATS TO CONSIDER
T style
Bullets
Skill focused
Targeted
31.
32.
33.
34. Dear [name],
With the utmost enthusiasm, I would like to express my interest in the [position title] position at
[company]. My interest in [field] has taken me from [experience] to [experience]. I believe that
my passion for [aspect of your field or background], strong commitment to [aspect of your field
or background], and interest in [aspect of your field or background] make me an ideal candidate
to join the [department] staff at [company].
As a candidate, here’s what I could immediately bring to the table:
An effective [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #1]: In my role at [previous job], I [action
or accomplishment]. I was also able to showcase my [skill] abilities as a [role] in [project name]
project by [what you did].
A disciplined [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #2]: I have always displayed my careful
approach to [job duty] by [action]. At [previous company], I frequently [action]. In addition, I had
the opportunity to [action or accomplishment], which further shows my dedication to [aspect of
your field].
A passionate [descriptor that reflects transferable skill #3]: Everything I have engaged in so far
has all been driven by my keen interest in [aspect of your field]. Even as a [previous role], I made
sure to dedicate some part of my day to [action].
It is this passion that has driven every one of my career decisions thus far.
I look forward to contributing my skills and experiences to the [position title] position at
[company] and hope to have the opportunity to speak with you further about how I can be an
asset to your team.
Sincerely,
38. CLOSING
Sincerely
OR…
Best regards/wishes
Confidently yours
Kind regards/wishes
Many thanks
Respectfully
Warm regards
With anticipation
Yours respectfully
39. COVER LETTER OOPS…
“Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from
you shorty!”
40. Check your spelling and
grammar
Hiring is NOT the same as
highering or hiering
Fast paced is NOT the same
as face paced or fast paste
The abbreviation for
Assistant is ASST not…
41. Have someone else read it
Reference the right position/company
Save it
Sign it
Send it
42.
43. July 8th, 2012
Human Resources
Alco, Inc.
217 West Street
Johnson, VA 24132
Dear Mr. Smith:
Enclosed find a copy of my resume. Please consider me for the position of
welder that was advertised in the Roanoke Times and World News.
I believe I am qualified for your position. I have six years of welding experience
in an industrial setting. Furthermore, I am a very dependable worker as shown
by the fact that I have only missed two days of work in the last five years.
Finally, I am available to work any shift at any of your three plants.
I look forward to hearing from you. I can best be reached after 3:00 p.m. on
weekdays and anytime on weekends.
Sincerely,
Andrew S. Jones
44. July 8th, 2012
Hiring Manager – Welding Department
Alco, Inc.
217 West Street
Johnson, VA 24132
Dear Mr. Smith:
Dependability. Detail orientation. Extensive experience. If these are the things you are
looking for in the Lead Welder position, then I suggest we meet to discuss how I can
enhance the quality of work at your company.
With six years of welding experience in an industrial setting, I bring a diverse set of
skills necessary to hit the ground running at Alco as the Lead Welder. Furthermore, I
am a very dependable worker as shown by the fact that I have only missed two days
of work in the last five years. Finally, I am available to work any shift at any of your
three plants.
I’m enthusiastic about receiving an interview where we can discuss my qualifications
further. You can reach me after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
Respectfully,
Andrew S. Jones
45. Quality driven, experienced welder who brings a high level of
commitment to completing all projects efficiently and effectively.
July 8th, 2012
Alco, Inc. - Mr. John Smith
217 West Street
Johnson, VA 24132
Dear Mr. Smith:
Dependability. Detail orientation. Extensive experience. If these are the things you are looking
for in the Lead Welder position, then I suggest we meet to discuss how I can enhance the
quality of work at your company.
With six years of welding experience in an industrial setting, I bring a diverse set of skills
necessary to hit the ground running at Alco as the Lead Welder. Furthermore, I am a very
dependable worker as shown by the fact that I have only missed two days of work in the last
five years. Finally, I am available to work any shift at any of your three plants.
My past supervisor’s evaluation of my performance can provider further evidence of the kind
of worker I am: “ Andrew does exceptional work – always paying close attention to the details
necessary to complete quality work. He is dependable and always willing to go the extra mile.”
I’m enthusiastic about receiving an interview where we can discuss my qualifications further.
You can reach me after 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and anytime on weekends.
Respectfully,
