Presented by: The Office of Career Development Smith UC Suite 210 (843) 661-1676.

Presented by:The Office of Career DevelopmentSmith UC Suite 210(843) 661-1676

Promote Yourself and

Resume

Cover Letter Workshop

A well written cover letter helps convince the employer to look at your resume and is your first chance to make a good impression.

First Impression

Your Address City, State Zip

The Date

Letter Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title Company Name Company Address

Dear Mr. or Mrs.

Paragraphs

Condolence

Handwritten Signature Your Name Typed

Block Format (hard copy)

The Date

Letter Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title Company Name Company Address

Dear Mr. or Mrs.

Paragraphs

Condolence

Your Name Typed Your Address City, State Zip

Block Format (Email)

State the following:

• The job position• How you learned of the position• Discuss why you are a good

candidate for the position

First Paragraph : Introduction

Do• Explain what you can do for

the employer• Be straightforward• Be confident in your

abilities.

ExampleEx. I am the ideal candidate for this position…Ex. I am a hard working, self-motivated individual…

First Paragraph : Tips

Don’tState what you expect the position to do for you

AvoidEx. This position will allow me to move to a new town.Ex. I hear the pay for this position is great.Ex. I would like a nine to five job so I can do other things on the weekends.

First Paragraph : Tips

State the following:

• Explain what skills qualify you for the position• How you’ve earned the skills• Why these skills will help the

employer

Second Paragraph : Skills

Do• Pick only a few (2 to 3) of the

best skills related to the position

Second Paragraph : Tips

Don’t• Copy your resume onto the

cover letter• Over-qualify yourself with too

many skills• List skills not related to the

position

State the following:

• Indicate that the resume or other material are also attached.• State that you will be calling

the employer for an interview or will be in town for an interview at a certain date.

Third Paragraph : Get The Interview

Thank the employer for their consideration and time spent reviewing your application

Four Paragraph : Thank You

Do• Reflect a positive attitude• Keep the cover letter to one

page• Tailor your cover letter to the

job• Use spell check• Keep sentences clear and

simple• Alternate sentence length to

hold the reader’s interest.

Overall Tips

Don’t• Weaken statements with “I

feel” or “I believe” • Use a generic cover letter for

all employers• Start every sentence with

“I…”• Announce weaknesses• Include an autobiography

Overall Tips

Cover Letter Sample

OFFICE OF CAREER

DEVELOPMENTSuite 210, University Commons

843-661-1676www.fmarion.edu/students/career