Writing A Cover Letter

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Think of a cover letter as a written introduction of who you are. In a cover letter, you are telling the reader about yourself, as well as highlighting your professional experience. Most importantly, you are telling the reader why you are interested in the position.
I was the Chair of the Resident Advisor (RA) selection committee for two years. I was responsible for reading through all student resumes and cover letters, scheduling interviews, and sending offer and rejection letters. Every year, I had students not apply for jobs because they did not know how to write a cover letter. Actually, they are quite simple. Follow these tips for a successful cover letter:
1. Remember you are writing a business letter - Include the date and be sure …show more content…

Every cover letter varies on the job title and description. You cannot mass produce cover letters and forget to make changes. The employer can always tell when you used a cover letter for another position because sometimes people forget to change the company name or job title.
5. Cover letters are different from resumes, so use the cover letter to share information not already on your resume.
6. Omit your weaknesses - Do not apologize for education, skills, or experiences you do not have. Do not put an emphasis on the fact you do not know Spanish fluently. Instead, focus on your strengths.
7. Research the company - See what type of experience and skills they are looking for, and tailor your cover letter accordingly.
8. Try your best to include the hiring manager’s name - It is much more personal as compared with “To whom it may concern”.
9. Put the emphasis on your experience, not on flashiness - Having a cover letter on peppermint green paper will definitely make you stand out, but not in the way you think it will.
10. Make it memorable - Remember, employers are reading hundreds of resumes and cover letters to fill only one position. Explain why you are interested and are the best candidate for the job. Keep the reader’s attention by making them feel it would be a very bad decision not to at least grant you an …show more content…

Practice the discussion with someone else such as a friend or co-worker. That way, you are confident and prepared.
10. Be wary of ultimatums. Threatening your boss with your resignation if they do not give you a raise may leave you jobless.
Chapter Activity - Think of your dream position at your dream company to answer the questions below in Section A only. If your dream is to start your own company, complete the questions in Section B. If you have aspirations to do both, complete Sections A and B:
A. Working for your Dream Company
1. What is the name of your dream company?
2. What is your dream job title?
3. What is the current salary range for that position?
4. What are the required skills and qualifications for that position?
5. What are the preferred skills qualifications for that position?
6. What are the major duties and responsibilities for that position?
7. How well do you understand the mission of the company?
8. What are the company’s five-year goals?
9. Based on your current resume, what new experiences and skills should you acquire to obtain the position?
10. What type of questions will you most likely be asked at the interview?
11. What is the working environment like?

B. Starting your own Company
1. Is your mission/vision clearly

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