Cover Letter that Gets Results

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Andrea SmithHRA/CTWorks So. Central asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov

Exercise:

What are My skills & Accomplishments ? -------------------------------------- ---------- -------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Increased profits Reduced costs Reduced errors Reduced conflict Reduced losses Improved quality Improved teamwork Made things smoother Made things easier Did what couldn't be done Sped things up Foresaw a need Foresaw a problem Foresaw an opportunity Found an easier solution Found a cheaper solution Found a new opportunity Accomplished the same with less Accomplished more with the same

Create a statement using the above accomplishment starters.

Cover Letters can be very challenging

Time Consuming

Customizing one for every job you apply for -

Every Company

Every Industry

Should a Cover Letter be includeif it's not explicitly ask for?

By Alison Doyle

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The Simple Answer

you will make it clear that you are highly interested in the job by using-

Industry - action words

your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for -

Relocation

you can explain your reasons with targeted precision -

Gaps in employmentTaking care of family

employers often expect to receive a cover letters even though they -

didn't actually list cover letters as a requirement in the Job Ad

candidates who don't take the time to compose a letter are often

Viewed as less motivated for the job

Yes !If you really want the job. A well-written Cover Letter will . frame your..candidacy for the employer draw attention to your mostRelevant qualifications

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Exercise: (write a convincing statement) as to;Key question in the reader of your Cover Letter:

Why you should be considered ? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Convincing The Reader 7

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Fact # 19

Cover Letter (CL) is more important than your resume !

Fact # 210

Fact # 3.Kathleen Watson, Professional Cover Letter Writer11

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Job Search Campaign

Fact 4Selling your skills in a highly competitive market.

You MUST highlight your competitive edge as effectively as possible.

Use proven (high impact) words to draw attention to your skills.

(Research ) your demographics, employers.

Self-promotion is a MUST when it comes to writing your cover letter, (VALUE).

The best cover letter is coherent with the resume.Its up to you to take action.

Cover letters are a marketing tools.

Therefore, apply marketing principle in your cover letter is essential. 13

The average cover letter gets between a

3 to 10 seconds of attention before being discarded

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Benefits of a Well-Written Cover Letter

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You will stand out from 90% of the applicants -

who wont take the time to draft an effective cover letter.

In a carefully crafted letter -

You - come alive as an enthusiastic personYou - flesh-and-blood personYou can show your creative ideasYou can demonstrate your GoalsYour - personality is revealedYou must include your skills and accomplishments which will make you stand out.

Unlike the resume- the cover letter enables you to -

You will write to a real person You will show how your skills, talents, and accomplishments relate to their needs.

..Benefits of a Well-Written Cover Letter

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..Benefits of a Well-Written Cover Letter

You can describe with real passion

why youd like to work for this y/organization.

You tailor the letter

to a specific company andits particular situation or needs.

You can highlight and focus on

your most relevant skills achievements/accomplishments.

You are able to reveal how you think IN THE COVER LETTER

organize ideascommunicate. 17

What Is An Accomplishment ?

Synonymsachievement - fulfillment - fulfillment - performance

Definition

accomplishmentNounSomething that has been achieved successfully.

The successful achievement of a task.

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Accomplishments

Measurable --19

Can be checked out---Confirmed---Tell the truth

Position: TeacherRough Notes:

When I first started, students were passing state exams at the dismal rate of 67 percent. I updated the curriculum and instilled the students with a love of history. By year's end, my students had achieved a 93 percent pass rate.

Accomplishments Statement: I dramatically increased pass rate of eighth-grade students from 67 percent to a record high of 93 percent on state proficiency testing.

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Measurable Examples: Accomplishments Branding Statement..

High-Powered Financial and Analytical Trainer | Propelling International Business Teams to the Top.

Program, Process and Project Manager | Creating and Implementing Innovative Technological Solutions.

Managed Care Professional | Building relationships with attention and integrity.

The Generic Cover Letter is useless

22Utilize this COVER LETTER Opportunity

You can create a stronger, very powerful, credible and memorable impression of you by changing how you speak about yourself.

Instead of saying:

Im a great leader -- as candidates often state on their cover letters Instead: give a work-situation which will position you as a great leader.

Im passionate about helping people -- Instead: give a situation where it shows how passionate you are.

Provide a short illustration -- that leads the employer to the desired conclusion.

Each case or illustration should project a specific quality about you, without you actually saying it.

You MUST Justify being a top candidate by illustrating why you are and not by saying that you are..

Elie Klachkindeveloper of career marketing tools. writer and coach. creator of resuMMe (MultiMedia resume)

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Instead address to the:

Hiring Manager

Human Resource Manager

College Recruiter or

Selection Committee

When all else fails, dont do the generic - - -To Whom It May Concern25

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HEADER: same header/address on the resume DATE: Date you are sending the letter INSIDE ADDRESS: Companys Name Address, City, State and Zip Code Contact Persons Name and Title

SALUTATION:Dear Mr./Dr./Ms. (Mrs.)THE CARROT: - Introduction The purpose is to gain attention, interest, desire and action. Talk about how you heard about the job, i.e. (Hartford Courant, Glassdoor, Indeed).your experience/educationi.e. (years, degree/credential).and why you are applying for this position. i.e. (explain how are you are good fit).THE RATIONALE: - Body/Justification The purpose is to strengthen and support information from your resume. Show that you know something about the company i.e. (History on the Company or why they exist),Show how and why you would fit in i.e. (give example of your personal attributes),Mention Soft-skills; i.e. (communication, problem-solving, time management - give examples).

Address the Employers needs (found in the job ad) -Mention Hard-skills; (keyboarding, cust serv, marketing, maintenance, assemble) that makes you qualified for the position. Use the SAR Method (S=Situation, A=Action, R=Result) -Illustrate (a story) to the employeri.e. (situations/accomplishments where you used the skills they're looking for.

THE CLOSE: Last paragraph Close on a positive and upbeat note (closing argument for being the best candidate). Summarize your qualifications then,you suggest the next step to be taken -i.e. (you would be following up with a phone call or email as to the progress of my application). Thank the employer for their time and consideration.COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING: Sincerely, Andrea Smith Andrea Smith - Sign above where you typed your name.Resume attached

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BE CAREFULL Using aPassive Voice in your Cover Letter I think I believe Give me a chance Ill do anything please

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29The Active and Passive Voices are the two voices of verbs.

Example:In the Active Voice, the subject (you) DOES the action.

In the Passive Voice, the subject (you) DOES NOT DO the action, but the action is done to the subject.

BE CAREFULL Using aPassive Voice in your Cover LetterYou want to give the first impression of - authentication AuthorizationConfidence

The Generic Cover Letter is useless

30Utilize this COVER LETTER Opportunity

You can create a stronger, very powerful, credible and memorable impression of you by changing how you speak about yourself.

Instead of saying:

Im a great leader -- as candidates often state on their cover letters Instead: give a work-situation which will position you as a great leader.

Im passionate about helping people -- Instead: give a situation where it shows how passionate you are.

Provide a short illustration -- that leads the employer to the desired conclusion.

Each case or illustration should project a specific quality about you, without you actually saying it.

You MUST Justify being a top candidate by illustrating why you are and not by saying that you are..

Elie Klachkindeveloper of career marketing tools. writer and coach. creator of resuMMe (MultiMedia resume)

EXERCISE: compose a cover letterUsing the Sample Job Advertisement31

Sample job advertisementHartford Courant Customer Service Officer

Customer service officer, Ref: 555JA

We are a large pharmaceutical company looking for a customer service officer to join our administration team. This role would be suitable for an experienced customer service officer, preferably someone who has previously worked in a pharmaceutical or medical environment.

As the customer service officer, you will:

Meet and greet clients and customersRespond to internal and external enquiries via email, phone and face-to-face Manage customer order entriesManage and update client accountsProvide customers with quotes and product knowledgeUpdate client databasesPerform general administration tasksSupport other departments

We are looking for someone who is friendly, hardworking and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will also have:

Excellent communication skillsA warm, approachable mannerAt least two years experience in a customer service positionExtensive experience using MS office softwareExperience using database management systems

Should this position be of interest please email a current resume to Lionel Millier at lionel.millier@email.com, or mail to Karp Pharmaceuticals, 100 Green Street, Hartford CT 06451

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Increased profits Reduced costs Reduced errors Reduced conflict Reduced losses Improved quality Improved teamwork Made things smoother Made things easier Did what couldn't be done Sped things up Foresaw a need Foresaw a problem Foresaw an opportunity Found an easier solution Found a cheaper solution Found a new opportunity Accomplished the same with less Accomplished more with the same

Create a statement using the above accomplishment starters.

Keep it Short

A Well-Written Cover Letter Serves --as a sample of your writing abilityyour enthusiasm to work for the employeryour value and fit for the jobYour knowledge on what you learn about the company and the job.Make sure that your Cover Letters are concise (short). 3 - 5 paragraphsEvery statement conveys something significant about -why you are the best person for the job.

job seekers are concerned about burdening

busy recruiters with letters when they are not asked for.

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The Changes in Job Search MethodHere are six ways the job search has changed and the tactics needed to get hired

Passive job searching is no longer an option -

Fewer jobs mean more competition -

Mistakes, even minor, are not tolerated -

Social media is the new recruiting tool -

Customization is critical -

Networking is more important than ever.

By CareerBuilder , Posted Jan 31st 2012 @ 9:33AM By Debra Auerbach

Social Media Websites: (Job search)

over age 40

Spanish-based

An inside look at Jobs & companies BeKnown

Career Hub for Tech/Eng

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Modern style Cover Letter

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Should I Include My LinkedIn Profile URL on My Resume?

The short answer to is YES !

LinkedIn Profile address has become a standard item to put in your resume header.WHY ?

90% of hiring managers now use social media -

as a primary resource to research candidates.

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

(Digital)

URL - uniform resource locator

is a specific character string that constitutes a reference to an Internet resource.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

URL: www./linkedin/ctworks85.com39

Modern :Header on your Cover Letter:Name:123 Street AvenueCity, State, Zip Code(c)* (h)*asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov www./linkedin/ctworks85.com

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CHANGE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE - - OFTEN -employers can tell if your online information is current by the last update.Recommend UpdatingEVERY 7 TO 30 DAYS

..Writing A Cover Letter CL - is a sales pitch, an attention -getter. It identifies the singles most important reason why you should get further consideration for the job. CL - is to the point one page and balanced.CL - does not repeat the resume but highlights information in the resume that relates to the Job Ad.

CL - must have perfect grammar and spelling.Fontmargins at 1 . times new romanFont size 12 (no less than 11)Make all statements positive CL - is a personal communication between you and the employer.

CL - should enable the reader to make a connection between the company and your background.

Use the same bonded resume paper.

Identifies relocation issues (willing to relocate)an added incentive for the employer.

CL - Follow instructions in employment ads or recruitment directions.

CL - expresses your knowledge of the company and why you would like to work for the company.

REVIEw

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Writing a CLIdentify the employer's key words and use them. Use industry jargon specific to your career field. Use action verbs and phrases. Make every work count. Be specific avoid general statements.Sound determined and confident not desperate. Show originality not cuteness.

Follow up phone call, about five days after expected postage delivery.

Focus on the employer's need for a worker rather than your need for a job.

CL - identifies mutual acquaintances or company employees, if you know any.

standard Cover Letter format. Block style; everything to the left.Sign in blue or black ink.

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Cover Letter Critiquing44

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Andrea SmithHRA/CTWorks So. Central asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov