Module 4: Cover Letters

Objectives of this Class:

learn how to create an elevator speech
understand what a cover letter does and what recruiters need to see
understand the different types of cover letters for different situations
understand the basic components of a cover letter
create a cover letter or update an existing one

Elevator Speech

What is an Elevator Speech?

What information do you want to convey in your elevator speech?

Alternative approach to the Elevator Speech

Short and to the point!

ASSIGNMENT #1: Write out your elevator speech. Then, practice an abbreviated version of this same speech. Your selling pitch can be used during a brief conversation, during an interview, or to help build out your cover letter. If you have questions, please contact your Employment Specialist.

What is a Cover Letter?

When you’re applying for a job, a cover letter shows the employer why you're a good fit for the job AND why you want to work for the company.

PREPARE

Read the job posting 2-3 times
Highlight the top skills and abilities the company is looking for. Match to your own skills and abilities. Use numbers and dollar amounts to show your strengths.
Go to the company website and review their mission statement, company history, values and testimonials. Get their local address.
See if you can find any company reviews from Yelp, Google, etc.
Call the local company and say, "I am going to be applying for a position and would like the name and job title of the person who reviews applications."

Types of Cover Letters

*Responding to job boards without knowing the company information

*Responding to job openings where you know the company information

*Contacting a company directly that has jobs that fit your skill set, but doesn't have any job openings posted

Cut and paste your name and contact information from your resume as your letterhead
Use the company's complete address, making sure it follows a business letter format. Ask Google for the address and research the contact person
Show gratitude in your first paragraph and appreciation in your last paragraph

ex. "Thank you for accepting this cover letter and my attached resume for this opening"

ex. I appreciate your time and consideration and would like to set up a meeting at your convenience to discuss why my skills and experience are such a good fit for ABC Company."

Use key words and phases from the job posting to describe how you fit the position
Explain why you want to work for the company by writing about the mission statement, community involvement, history or testimonials. "As I saw in your website," or "You have great reviews on Google, and I would be proud to join such a good team."

Cover letters need drafts. Don't worry about your grammar, spelling, and making your cover letter the best it can be the first time around. Your Employment Specialist will be your partner and editor, but do give you and them time to get it done properly.

Cover Letter Examples

By specific position: Google "Best Cover Letters for ____________ job"
By company: Best cover letters for _______________________ (Starbucks)
Google Indeed, Glass Door, Career Builder, and YouTube to discover helpful tips for Cover Letters

Need Great Words?

Check out modules 3 and 7

Build a Cover Letter

Please watch the Cover Letter Tutorial

Do you have an existing cover letter, need to update with more relevant work experience, or need to build one?

ASSIGNMENT #2: Send an email to your Instructor, answering the following questions:

What are write 3 tips to creating a great cover letter?
Write one sentence, using active verbs in the present tense, to explain one of your skills.
If you have a current cover letter or one you would like to update, please attach for your Instructor to provide feedback.

Check out these Cover Letter Samples: Retail Associate, Retail Manager, Warehouse Worker

Page updated

Report abuse