Transcript Cover Letter Workshop - Surrey Public Library

Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER
WORKSHOP
Facilitator Check List
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
CHECK IN
• Introductions of group members
• Individual and group goals for the
workshop
• Ice Breaker
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
ICE BREAKER!!!
Cover Letter Word Search
Training Games
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Cover Letter Workshop
OBJECTIVE
• To provide the skills and tools for creating
and preparing your own cover letter.
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Cover Letter Workshop
AGENDA
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What is a cover letter?
What is the purpose of a cover letter.
Contents of a cover letter?
Why researching the company is so
important.
• Customizing your cover letter.
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
A cover letter is a formal introduction to
your resume and accompanies it when
applying for a job.
Cover Letter Worksheet
Cover Letter Checklist
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Cover Letter Example
Cover Letter Workshop
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE
OF A COVER LETTER?
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
Presents your interest, qualifications,
and availability to the employer
Its YOUR chance to make a good first
impression
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Cover Letter Workshop
ACTIVITY BREAK
Do’s and Don’ts
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Cover Letter Workshop
A good cover letter will prompt an employer
to look at your credentials. i.e., your resume
A bad cover letter or no cover letter is
enough to cause an employer to move on to
the next applicant.
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Cover Letter Workshop
TYPES OF COVER LETTERS
Letter of Application
Cover Letter Inquiry
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T-Zone Cover Letter
Cover Letter Workshop
CONTENTS OF A COVER LETTER
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Headings
Salutation/Greeting
Opening paragraph
Middle paragraph
Closing paragraph
Yours Truly/Sincerely
Signature and enclosure
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Cover Letter Workshop
TARGETTING YOUR
COVER LETTER
• Tell the employer why you would be valuable to the
company, how you can deliver results.
• Back up your skills with accomplishment statements
relating to the position and company’s goals from your
past experiences.
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Cover Letter Workshop
TARGETTING YOUR
COVER LETTER
• Address the letter to a specific reader
• Include your objective, accomplishments, and your
interest in the position. This shows you took the time to
read and learn about the position.
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Cover Letter Workshop
ACTIVITY BREAK
Cover Letter Building Cards
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Cover Letter Workshop
HEADINGS
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Your Heading
Name
Address
City, Province, Postal
Code
Phone number
Date
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Companies Heading
Name of Employer
Title of Employer
Name of Organization
Address
City, Province, Postal
Code
Cover Letter
Examples of Branding
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Cover Letter Workshop
SALUTATIONS/GREETING
Preferred Salutations
• Dear Mr.
• Dear Mrs.
• Dear Ms.
• Dear Dr.
• Dear Sir or Madam
Alternate Salutations
• Attention: Personal
Manager
• Attention: Name of
Organization
Representative
Do not use “To Whom It May Concern”
Cover Letter
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Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER OPENING
• The position you are applying for and the
competition number if given
• Where you saw the posting. Include name and
date of publication
• If you were referred for the position, give the
name of that person
• Express your interest for the position
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Cover Letter Workshop
OPENING EXAMPLE
• Please accept my resume in response to the posting for
the position of Cashier with ABC Company located in the
Vancouver Sun on February 1, 2009. Having been a
long time customer of ABC Company and knowing your
products and services are ones I can proudly stand
behind, I was excited at the prospect of joining your
team. As you will see my experience and qualifications
are a perfect fit for the position.
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Cover Letter Workshop
OPENING EXAMPLE
• Our Mutual friend, Mr. John Marley suggested I contact
you to inquire about possible openings in ABC Company
for a Front Line Manager position, as he thought strongly
that my experience and qualifications would be an
excellent fit for your organization.
Cover Letter
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Cover Letter Workshop
COVER LETTER BODY
• Why you are suited for the job
• How your skills and qualifications match
the specific job requirements listed in the
add
• Include related experience, training, and
attributes
• Try to list at least 2 examples
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Cover Letter Workshop
RESEARCH THE COMPANY
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What makes that company/organization
Why are they there?
Hiring trends/employment needs
The companies history
Desired qualifications and skills
General job information
http://www.google.com
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Cover Letter Workshop
BODY CONTINUE
TELL THE READER:
What makes you well suited to the job or company
• How your values, work ethic, skills align with the mission,
vision and values of the organization.
• Talk about why you are the right type of person for this
job/team or company
• Clearly explain how you are the missing piece in their
employee puzzle.
• Focus on the EMPLOYER
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Cover Letter Workshop
BODY EXAMPLE
• I am confident that my experience along with my
educational background and commitment to professional
excellence will enable me to serve both you and your
clients/customers well.
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Cover Letter Workshop
BODY EXAMPLE
• I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to
you. I am a reliable, and energetic individual who enjoys
interacting with others. I take pride in building strong
customer relationships, and I am client focused. I have
been recognized as being honest, responsible, and self
motivated. I enjoy working in a fast paced environment
and thrive on contributing to a team. I am confident that
my positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, and
honesty will fulfill the requirements of this position.
Cover Letter
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Cover Letter Workshop
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
• Restate your interest in the position and mention how
you will be an asset to the company
• State your interest in meeting with the employer for an
interview to discuss your skills and passion in person
• List your contact information and when you can be
reached to book your interview
• Include your home phone number, cell number and or
email address.
• Include an action/next step informing the employer you
will be in contact with them.
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Cover Letter Workshop
EXAMPLES
• I would welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss how my
qualifications will exceed your expectations. I can provide excellent
references upon request. I can b e reached at 604-555-5555 or by
email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my resume. I
am looking forward to meeting with you to discuss this employment
opportunity. You can contact me at 604-555-5555 or by email at
[email protected].
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Cover Letter Workshop
CLOSING PARAGRAPHS
I would like to thank you
for taking the time to
consider my resume. I
am looking forward to
meeting with you to
discuss this
employment
opportunity. You can
contact me at 604-5555555 or by email at
[email protected]
I look forward to hearing
from you soon and having
the opportunity to discuss
my qualifications for the
position
Best
Better
OK
I would welcome the
chance to meet with you
to discuss how my
qualifications will exceed
your expectations. I can
provide excellent
references upon request.
I can be reached at 604555-5555 or by email at
[email protected]. I
will follow up with a
phone call next week to
discuss things further.
Cover Letter
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Cover Letter Workshop
COMMPLEMTARY
CLOSINGS
• Yours Truly
• Sincerely
• Respectfully
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Cover Letter Workshop
EXAMPLES
Yours Truly,
Sincerely,
B Barista
B Barista
Barbara Barista
Barbara Barista
Enclosure: Resume
Enclosure: Resume
Cover Letter
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
FINAL THOUGHTS
• Know and understand what the employer
is looking for in their applicants
• Research the company, visit there
website, know there mission statement
• Speak to current employees, if possible
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Cover Letter Workshop
Any Questions???
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Cover Letter Workshop
CHECK OUT
• Closing Activity
• Feedback Forms
• Resource Packages
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources
Cover Letter Workshop
Copyright 2008 – Pacific Community Resources