Learn some tips and tricks on creating cover letters and filling out applications.

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Cover Letters and
Applications

2. Cover Letters

3.  1/3 will always read cover letters
 1/3 will read cover letters if it
catches their attention
 1/3 will never read cover letters
Will an employer really read
your cover letter?
According to research…
Cover Letter Magic 4th Edition
by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

4. Just like your résumé,
your cover letter
is extremely
important
because it is another
1st impression!

5. No Rules…Just Strategies!
Cover Letters are
“SITUATION
DEPENDENT”
Cover Letter Magic 4th Edition
by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark

6. 4 Types of Cover Letters:
1. The Application Letter
1. Responds to a known/advertised job opening
2. The Prospecting (Cold/Warm Calling) Letter
1. Inquires about possible positions
1. The Networking Letter
1. Requests a recommendation or information
2. The Referral Letter
1. Uses a name-dropping tactic

7. Key Components
BE CLEAR
What type of position are you
interested in?
SHOW VALUE
What value can you bring to the
organization?
Remember to use specific examples to
make your case!

8. 1. Identify your key strengths and
accomplishments
2. Research the company to see
(and be able to explain) how you
will be an asset
3. Develop strong summary
statements
Foundations

9. Cover Letter Formats
 Standard Business Paragraph
 Gives all of your information in a
cordial letter style

10. Cover Letter Formats
 Skills and Qualification Comparison
 Highlights what the employer is looking for
and how you can fill that need

11. Cover Letter Formats
 Bulleted Center Paragraph
 Puts more focus on the information
you want the reader to remember

12. A cover letter should
COMPLEMENT, not DUPLICATE
your resume.
• Explain why you’re interested
in their organization
• Identify your most relevant
skills/experiences
• Express interest and
knowledge about the position
and company

13. Cover Letter Writing 101
• The Opening: Why I’m
Writing You
• This is an overview, details are for the 2nd paragraph
• Grab the reader’s attention, just like writing an essay
• Don’t be boring or typical
• Zero in on why you’re the best candidate; highlight the
aspects of your experience and character that set you apart

14. Typical:
“I am writing to express interest in the
Housekeeping position posted on the
Michigan Works Website.”
Better:
“With a proven track record of exceeding
employers’ expectations in a 10+ year career,
I am confident that I would be a perfect fit for
the Housekeeping position posted on the
Michigan Works Website.”

15. • The 2nd Paragraph – Why I’m the
Best Candidate
Cover Letter Writing 101

16.  List key qualifications
Pull these directly from the job description
 Show that you have what they need
Use specific experiences/accomplishments
 Provide evidence to support your examples
 Be clear, brief, and factual
 Don’t repeat your résumé
Cover Letter Writing 101

17. Cover Letter Writing 101
• The Final Paragraph: The Hook
• Short, 2-4 sentence paragraph
• Quickly remind the reader of your company knowledge
and how you’ll contribute to the bottom line
• Thank the reader for their time and attention
• Request an interview
• Make sure to leave a positive impression of yourself

18. Passive: “I look forward to
hearing from you.”
Assertive: “I look forward to
interviewing with you and will
follow up next week to schedule a
time that is convenient.”

19. Remember the 3 “P’s”
 POLISH
 PROOFREAD
 PERFECT

20. 7 Elements of a Highly
Effective Cover Letter
By Jimmy Sweeney, Author of “Amazing Cover Letter Creator”
1. Address your cover letter to a real person.
2. Open with an attention-grabbing first
sentence.
3.Remember: Less is more
4.Focus on what YOU can do for the employer

21. 5. Choose words that show
enthusiasm and passion
6. Request one action: an interview
7. End your cover letter with
something enthusiastic and
significant

22. Effective cover letters
take work…
But the payoff
is worth it!

24. 1st Step to Completing
Applications Effectively:
Arrive prepared with the
information and tools you need!
Completed Sample
Application/Fact Sheet
References with
Contact Information
Professional RésuméErasable Pen

25.  Read the application completely BEFORE
writing on it
 Follow the directions EXACTLY
 Print neatly using blue or black ink
 Submit all requested information—leave no
blanks.
Write “Does Not Apply” or “NA” for Not
Applicable
 Tailor your answer to the job you are seeking
Application Basics

26. Job Title and Salary:
• Use a specific job title
• If you don’t have the title, use a title or
description that most closely describes the
position you are applying for.
• Never write “anything.”
• Availability – Possible answers: “immediately” or “2
week notice required”
• If the salary or hourly wage is not given, list desired
salary as “negotiable” or “open to discussion”

27. Work History / Experience:
• Usually asks for job title, company name and information,
and dates of employment.
• Be as accurate as possible; make sure dates don’t
conflict.
• Don’t say “See résumé!”
• Reason for Leaving – Use positive phrases
• Examples: to take a job with more responsibility,
moved, seasonal, business closed, job/contract ended,
laid off, returned to school, career change, etc.
• Avoid negative words: absenteeism, fired, quit,
tardiness

28. Work History / Experience:
• List special skills, experience, and/or
training needed for the position
• Match employer needs vs. your skills
• Highlight club activities, volunteer work,
or organizations you belong to that relate
to the job
• Talk to your references before using
them. Keep your reference list updated.

29. • Not following directions
• Misspelled words
• Crossed out writing
• Incomplete work history or
large unexplained gaps
• Wrinkled/messy application
form
• Not applying for a specific
position
• Not printed
• Overlapping/conflicting
employment dates with no
explanation
• Application not turned in by
deadline
• Use of “red flag” words
• Forgetting to sign the
application

30. Your completed application is a
reflection of you.
Make it a good one!

31. Like what you saw?
We hope you found this information helpful. Check us out
at www.miworksmo.org.
• Give us any questions/comments/concerns
• See our workshop schedule
• Learn more about Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana