The following information is drawn directly from the website www.careerbuilder.com for the convenience of participants.
LETTERS OF APPLICATION / COVER LETTERS A well-written cover letter is critical in enticing a potential employer to review and consider your resume. The cover letter is your chance to sell yourself as the best candidate for a specific position. It's as important as your resume in identifying for each potential employer exactly how you meet their needs. Your cover letter serves a separate function from your resume and should not be used to repeat the details described in your resume. a)
The resume is about you, your experience and your skills.
b)
The cover letter is an introduction and is about what you can do for the employer.
An effective cover letter has three elements: 1.
2.
Introduction and reason for writing §
Say exactly why you are interested in the school and you want to fill a need they have.
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Demonstrate your interest by highlighting any connections between the employer and yourself.
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Be as specific as possible about how you can fill the school’s need. Don't just mention the job position, describe what the school requires from that position.
Sell Yourself §
3.
Briefly state your skills that will specifically meet the employer's needs. Your resume will provide the detail. Use this section to highlight how you will use your talents and experience to benefit the school.
Make a Plan §
Close the letter by telling the potential employer where you can be reached, that you will follow-up with a phone call to make sure your resume and cover letter have reached the intended recipient and to arrange a face to face interview.