WRITING COVER LETTER.pptVIP

A cover letter expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position to a prospective employer YES! According to over 80% of employers it is somewhat to very important to provide a cover letter when you send your resume. 5 Broad Categories: Qualifications Skills – Technical and Generic Employment History / Relevant Experience Personal Attributes Interest in the Position or Company – What do you know about them? Choose an order that: (a) Highlights your relevant strengths and (b) Meets the criteria established by the employer Targeted Letter Written specifically in response to an advertisement b) Unsolicited or Cold Contact Letter A cover letter sent to a company that may not have publicly advertised positions Used as a way to introduce yourself with the hope that it may spark an interest and result in an interview or is used as a follow up to a cold call phone call Potential to generate job offers especially when targeted specifically for the company and a specific job and the jobseeker follows up on their initial approach Written specifically for each application - refers to criteria outlined in the job description Shows reference number and position where you saw the job advertised Demonstrates your skills and knowledge - provide examples, proof Tell the employer what you have to offer Demonstrates your knowledge of the company Determine if the job is through a recruitment agency, if it is, you will working for their client, NOT for them. Positive and enthusiastic in tone – don’t highlight negatives Formal business language should be used – use the tone of the ad as your cue Addresses employer by name eg Dear Ms Jones or Mr Smith Is error free – check spelling and grammar An opportunity to demonstrate your research and written communication skills Page length – usually 1 – 2 A4 page Job Advertisement Position Description Website What are the main skills you would need to highlight in your cover letter? Siti Nur Shahida Binti Ab Rahim Your name