Cover Letter Basics

1) Cover letters are persuasive letters: they present the argument that you can do the job. They support that argument with specific experiences.

The letter shows:

a)  How your qualifications (experience, skills, train-ability) can help the organization meet its needs.

b)  How you differ from other applicants; how you bring something more.

c)  That you have some knowledge of the organization and are submitting your application selectively.

2) Outline thru Criteria Match:

 ● Job descriptions describe the specific criteria necessary to win the job.

"All applicants must have done X, Y and Z."

● Cover letters describe in specific detail how your experience and education meet those criteria.

"For three years I did X for Bob. I was in charge of X-ing 100,000 Y's for Bob once a week."

"While working for Betty, I handled all the Z's and processed her Y's...."

3) Most job descriptions list three types of criteria:

a) Education and certification (minimum requirement)

b) Experience

c) Attitude and Approach (team player, ability to meet deadlines, competitive, co-operative and collaborative, ability to work in groups, adaptability, butt-kisser, willingness to be publicly degraded by superiors. . . etc.)

● Your letter MUST show EVIDENCE of all three.

4) Bad Letters vs. Good Letters:

● Bad Letters are vague and self-oriented.

"I'm a highly competitive person but work well in groups."

● Good letters use developed specifics and You Attitude Out the YingYang.

"Four years playing college football trained me how to balance competition and co-operation. I've learned how to achieve my personal best even when I didn't want to, compensate when others didn't play at their peak, and balance my personal needs with those of the team. I can run with the ball when the field is clear and pass it off when it's blocked. I am ready to bring these skills to The Girl Scouts so that I can help girls reach their personal best in a team setting. ..."

Basics: Essentially, all cover letters must:

● Be addressed to a specific person

● Indicate the specific position you are applying for

● Be specific about your qualifications

● Show what separates you from other applicants

● Show knowledge of the organization and the position

● Refer to your resume (enclosed with the letter)

● Use you attitude and positive emphasis to make the

company want to meet you and clarify that you will work for them (they are hiring you to achieve their own goals, not to help you achieve yours)

●) Ask for an interview.