Unit Essential Question
Why is it important to understand the basics of creating a word processing document?
Lesson Essential Questions
How can Microsoft Word be beneficial for citing sources?
Why is it important to be able to change margin sizes, fonts, styles, paragraph spacing, etc.?
How can Microsoft Word be beneficial in creating mailing labels?
Introduction
Microsoft Word is a computer software program that is used to create and print text documents such as college papers. It is also part of the Microsoft Office suite which includes Excel and Powerpoint. Some Microsoft Word activities that we will explore in this class include a research paper on the latest technology devices, MLA formatting, birthday invitations and more!
Top 10 Cover Letter Writing Tips
When you need to write a cover letter, it's sometimes the small things that make a big difference. Review these cover letter tips and techniques for writing top notch cover letters to send with your resume, including cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.
Select A Cover Letter Type
There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects how you are applying for the job or the type of job search assistance you are requesting. Your cover letter should be designed specifically for the purpose you are writing and customized for each position you seek.
Format Your Cover Letter
How you format your cover letter, both from a content (the information you include) and a presentation (what your cover letter looks like) perspective is important. Even when applying online or via email, your cover letter needs to be properly formatted, readable, and without any mistakes.
3. Review Cover Letter Examples
Take the time to review cover letter examples, then make sure that your letter explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.
Start From a Cover Letter Template
A cover letter template can be a good way to get started writing cover letters to send with resumes when you apply for jobs. Use a cover letter template as a starting point for creating your own personalized cover letter.
Write a Custom Cover Letter
It can be time consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort to show the company why you are a good match.
6. Write a Personalized Cover Letter
When it comes to cover letters, taking the time to get personal is really important. Find out as much as you can about the company and the hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter and, if you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.
Send an Email Cover Letter
The most important part of sending an email cover letter is to follow the employer's instructions. If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an attachment, attach Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to your email message.
Address Your Cover Letter
How to address a cover letter can be tricky if you are responding to a blind ad and don't have a contact person's name to include or you don't know the hiring manager's gender. Here's how to address a cover letter.
How to Address a Cover Letter
If you don’t have a contact person at the company you can either leave off the saluation from your cover letter and start with the first paragraph of your letter or use a general salutation.
There a variety of cover letter salutations you can use to address your letter. Employers who responded to a recent employer survey conducted by Saddleback College preferred:
Dear Hiring Manager (38%)
To whom it may concern (26%)
Dear Sir/Madam (18%)
Dear Human Resources Director (9.5%)
Leave it blank (8%)
Once you have chosen a salutation, follow it with a colon or comma, a space, and then start the first paragraph of your letter. For example:
Dear Hiring Manager:
First paragraph of letter.
How to Address a Cover Letter for a Non-Gender Specific Name
If you do have a name, but aren't sure of the person's gender, an option is to include both the first name and the last name in your salutation:
Dear Sydney Doe
Dear Taylor Smith
9. Send Your Cover Letter as an Attachment
When you apply for jobs via email, you may need to send your resume and cover letter as an attachment. It's important to send your cover letter and resume attachments correctly, to include all the information you need so your email message is read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.
Explain an Employment Gap
When you have recent gaps in your resume, whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap.