RETAILING – COVER LETTERS May 16, 2018

TODAY’S AGENDA

New Lesson: Cover Letters

Cover Letter Rough Draft Worksheet

Tomorrow we will have access to the computer lab so you can continue working on your Resume and final copy of your Cover Letter.

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter is a document you send with your resume, which is attached to the front.

A cover letter differs from a resume in that instead of being a brief overview of your skills and experience, it’s a letter specifically written with the job you’re applying for in mind.

It allows you to highlight certain areas you think would make you right for the job.

WHY IS A COVER LETTER NECESSARY?

A cover letter helps you introduce yourself to potential employers.

It can:

Provide information that is not included on your resume

Expand further on your key skills and attributes

Explain why you can do the job

Show your interest in the job

Highlight how you stand out from other people applying for the job

WHY IS A COVER LETTER NECESSARY?

Some employers might only read your cover letter, not your resume. It’s important to use your cover letter to make a good first impression.

A cover letter can show employers your:

Ability to communicate effectively

Professionalism

Personality

Attention to detail by submitting a cover letter without errors

RESPONSE/TARGETED COVER LETTERS

For this course, we will only be focusing on one type of cover letter, which is the Response/Targeted Cover Letter.

This type of cover letter responds to a job posting.

It highlights your qualifications and suitability for the advertised job requirements, and it is written with a specific job in mind.

RESPONSE/TARGETED COVER LETTERS

To create a response/targeted cover letter:Use language that matches the employer. To do this, you will have to look at the job posting and company website to find the appropriate words and language they use.

Only include information relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Customize the first and last paragraphs of your letter to match information in the job advertisement.

Double-check and proofread carefully for any information that doesn’t belong.

RETAIL JOB ADVERTISEMENT EXAMPLE

Amy’s Boutique Job Posting

Amy’s Boutique is currently looking for an exceptional candidate to join our team as a Sales Clerk.

This is an exciting opportunity if you are someone who:

Is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of customer service

Has previous experience in a retail environment

Enjoys working in a fast-paced retail environment

Is a team player

Can work flexible shifts

Amy’s Boutique offers competitive wages, bonuses and opportunities for advancement.

Please apply in-person with your resume and cover letter to Amy’s Boutique, Market Mall, Unit 35,

between the hours of 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER

Your cover letter will explain who you are, why you want to work for the business, and what you can offer.

When writing anything, it is important to use words that your reader(s) will understand.

Review your cover letter to make sure it is clear and to the point.

Let your own personability come through.

USING ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE VOICE

To make your cover letter interesting and easy to read, use an active voice.

For example:

Passive voice: “Over the last five years, my accounting skill were developed.”

Active voice: “For five years, I managed accounts receivable, paid bills, tracked invoices and reconciled bank accounts.”

Passive voice: “Customers were helped.”

Active voice: “As a customer service representative, I greeted customers, listened to their needs, selected appropriate items and recommended accessories.”

Use action verbs to help write your cover letter.

BEFORE YOU START WRITING

Gather information that will help you write your cover letter. Look at:

The job description

The job post/advertisement

The business’s website

Your resume

The job advertisement can tell you a lot about what an employer is looking for. You can circle and highlight key things to include in your cover letter.

For example, earlier you saw Sarah’s targeted cover letter for a job as a Sales Clerk at Amy’s Boutique. Before Sarah wrote her letter, she looked at the job advertisement to find out what the employer is looking for. She then highlighted key words and phrases.

Amy’s Boutique Job Posting

Amy’s Boutique is currently looking for an exceptional candidate to join our team as a Sales Clerk.

This is an exciting opportunity if you are someone who:

Is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of customer service

Has previous experience in a retail environment

Enjoys working in a fast-paced retail environment

Is a team player

Can work flexible shifts

Amy’s Boutique offers competitive wages, bonuses and opportunities for advancement.

Please apply in-person with your resume and cover letter to Amy’s Boutique, Market Mall, Unit 35,

between the hours of 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO BEGIN WRITING THE CONTENT OF YOUR COVER LETTER

1. First thing is to include a header at the top of the page, which includes your contact information.

2. After the header, one space down, you will include the current date.

3. After the date, you are to include the contact name and information of the person you are applying to. If you’re not sure of the company address, search it up using Google or by visiting the company’s website.

YOU ARE NOW READY TO BEGIN WRITING THE CONTENT OF YOUR COVER LETTER

4. Next, you’ll need to address the letter to someone. To make your cover letter more personal, avoid using “To Whom it may Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”. Instead, find out who will be reviewing your cover letter and address it to him or her directly. If the individual’s name is not available, try using:

Dear Hiring Manager,

Dear Human Resources Manager,

Dear (Name of Company) Representative,

YOU ARE NOW READY TO BEGIN WRITING THE CONTENT OF YOUR COVER LETTER

5. Next is the body of your letter. Although there is no magic number of paragraphs to include, most people find that three paragraphs work well:

An introduction

A section about your qualifications for the job

A closing statement

FIRST PARAGRAPH

Introduce yourself by including:

Your reason for writing

The position you are applying for

Why you are interested in the position

How you heard about the position

Try to write something interesting that sets you apart from other applicants and describes how you will add value to the organization.

SECOND PARAGRAPH

In the second paragraph, highlight your skills and qualifications.

Include:How your skills relate to the elements mentioned in the job advertisement. Ex. Team player.

How your experience and skills match the skills, duties and job responsibilities for the job description. Ex. Sales Clerk

Other relevant highlights that fit for this position, such as examples of your accomplishments or courses/training you have completed.

THIRD OR CLOSING PARAGRAPH

Use the third, or closing, paragraph to finish your cover letter. Mention:Your appreciation for the reader’s time and attention.

Your interest in meeting the employer to discuss the job.

The best way to contact you.

SIGNATURE LINE

At the end of your letter you will include a closing line. Some examples include:

Sincerely,

Best Regards,

Respectfully,

Next, insert three spaces after your closing line, then type your first and last name. After you print out the hard copy, you will lastly include your signature by signing your name in the blank space between your closing line and your typed name.

CREATING A FINISHED PRODUCTFINAL NOTES:

Your cover letter and resume should be as consistent as possible. Use the same header, font, colour and type of paper. It is like you are creating your own professional image or brand.

Your cover letter should be one-page, and a resume is one-to-two pages.

Use a basic font style with font sizes between 10-12 points. Use black font.

Be clear and to the point.

Limit the use of the word “I’.

CREATING A FINISHED PRODUCTFINAL NOTES:

Mention you are available for an interview.

Proofread!

Use an appropriate email address.

Use active language.

Use white paper.

Use the cover letter to highlight key aspects of your resume.

COVER LETTER ROUGH DRAFT ASSIGNMENT