1. 1
Andrea Smith
HRA/CTWorks So. Central
asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov

3. To help list your accomplishments - think of a time when
you:
 Increased profits
 Reduced costs
 Reduced errors
 Reduced conflict
 Reduced losses
 Improved quality
 Improved teamwork
 Made things
smoother
 Made things easier
 Did what couldn't be
done
 Sped things up
 Foresaw a need
 Foresaw a problem
 Foresaw an opportunity
 Found an easier solution
 Found a cheaper solution
 Found a new opportunity
 Accomplished the same with
less
 Accomplished more with the
sameCreate a statement using the above accomplishment starters………….

4. Cover Letters can be very
challenging
1) Time Consuming
 Customizing one for
every job you apply for -
o Every Company
o Every Industry
Should a
Cover Letter
be include
if it's
not explicitly
ask for
?
4

5. The Simple Answer
3) you will make it clear that you are highly
interested in the job by using-
 Industry - action words
4) your cover letter will enable you to
present a rationale for -
 Relocation
5) you can explain your reasons with
targeted precision -
 Gaps in employment
 Taking care of family
6) employers often expect to receive a cover
letters even though they -
 didn't actually list cover letters as a
requirement in the Job Ad
7) candidates who don't take the time to
compose a letter are often –
 Viewed as less motivated for the job
Yes !
If you really want
the job.
A well-written Cover Letter will
….
1) frame your…..
 candidacy for the
employer
2) draw attention to your
most……
 Relevant qualifications
5

6. Exercise:
Cover Letter Challenge
6

7. Exercise: (write a convincing statement) as to;
Key question in the reader of your Cover Letter:
Why you should be considered ?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Convincing The Reader
7

8. A powerful
One-Page
Sales
Letter
May be the Single Most Important
Letter you ever write.
Some Amazing Facts about Cover Letters
8

9. Fact # 1 •Most people pay more
attention to their
•resume
• Than
• cover letter
• CL
• first impressions
9

10. Fact # 2
you never
get a
second chance
to make a
first impression
10

11. Fact # 3
99%
cover letter templates will
not work!
………….
Kathleen Watson, Professional Cover Letter Writer
11

12. 12
Job Search
Campaign

13. Fact 4 Selling your skills in a highly
competitive market.
You MUST highlight your competitive
edge as effectively as possible.
1. Use proven (high impact) words to
draw attention to your skills.
2. (Research ) your demographics,
employers.
3. Self-promotion is a MUST when it
comes to writing your cover letter,
(VALUE).
4. The best cover letter is coherent with
the resume.
Its up to you to take action.
Cover letters are a marketing
tools.
Therefore, apply marketing
principle in your cover letter is
essential.
13

14. The average cover letter gets between a
 3 to 10 seconds of attention before being discarded
14

15. Benefits of a Well-Written Cover
Letter
15

16.  You will stand out from 90% of the
applicants -
 who won’t take the time to draft an effective
cover letter.
 In a carefully crafted letter -
1. You - come alive as an enthusiastic person
2. You - flesh-and-blood person
3. You – can show your creative ideas
4. You – can demonstrate your Goals
5. Your - personality is revealed
6. You – must include your skills and
accomplishments which will make you
stand out.
 Unlike the resume- the cover letter
enables you to -
7. You – will write to a real person
8. You – will show how your skills, talents,
and accomplishments relate to their needs.
…..Benefits of a
Well-Written Cover
Letter
16

17. …..Benefits of a Well-Written Cover Letter
9. You can describe with real
passion
 why you’d like to work for
this y/organization.
10. You tailor the letter
 to a specific company and
 its particular situation or
needs.
11. You can highlight and focus on
 your most relevant skills
 achievements/accomplishments.
12. You are able to reveal how you think
IN THE COVER LETTER
 organize ideas
 communicate.
17

18. What Is An Accomplishment ?
Synonyms
– achievement - fulfillment -
fulfillment - performance–Definition
– ac·com·plish·ment
Noun
1. Something that has
been achieved
successfully.
2. The successful
achievement of a task.
18

19. Accomplishments
• Measurable --
19
Can be checked
out
---
Confirmed
---
Tell the truth

20. Position: Teacher
• Rough Notes:
 When I first started, students
were passing state exams at the
dismal rate of 67 percent. I
updated the curriculum and
instilled the students with a
love of history. By year's end,
my students had achieved a 93
percent pass rate.
• Accomplishments Statement:
 I dramatically increased pass
rate of eighth-grade students
from 67 percent to a record
high of 93 percent on state
proficiency testing.
20
Measurable Examples: Accomplishments “Branding” Statement…..

21. 1. High-Powered Financial and Analytical Trainer |
Propelling International Business Teams to the
Top.
2. Program, Process and Project Manager |
Creating and Implementing Innovative
Technological Solutions.
3. Managed Care Professional | Building
relationships with attention and integrity.

22. 22
Utilize this COVER LETTER Opportunity
You can create a stronger, very powerful, credible and memorable impression of
you by changing how you speak about yourself.
Instead of saying:
1) I’m a great leader -- as candidates often state on their cover letters
 Instead: give a work-situation which will position you as a great leader.
2) I’m passionate about helping people --
 Instead: give a situation where it shows how passionate you are.
Provide a short illustration -- that leads the employer to the
desired conclusion.
Each case or illustration should project a specific quality about you, without
you actually saying it.
You MUST Justify being a top candidate
by illustrating why you are and not by saying that you are.
.
Elie Klachkindeveloper of career marketing tools. writer and coach. creator of resuMMe (MultiMedia resume)

23. Anatomy of a Cover Letter
23

24. Anatomy of a Cover Letter
HEADER:
DATE:
INSIDE ADDRESS :
SALUTATION :
THE CARROT – Introduction:
THE RATIONALE – Body:
THE CLOSE – Last paragraph:
COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING:
JOB SEEKER INDENTIFICATION:
YOUR SIGNATURE:
Type your full name –
Resume enclosed
24

25. Instead – address to the:
1) “Hiring Manager”
2) “Human Resource Manager”
3) “College Recruiter” or
4) “Selection Committee”
When all else fails,
don’t do the generic
- - -
“To Whom It May
Concern”
25

26. Writing A Cover Letter
26

27. 1. HEADER: same header/address on the resume
2. DATE: Date you are sending the letter
3. INSIDE ADDRESS:
a. Company’s Name
b. Address, City, State and Zip Code
c. Contact Person’s Name and Title
4. SALUTATION:
 Dear Mr./Dr./Ms. (Mrs.)
5. THE CARROT: - Introduction
The purpose is to gain attention, interest, desire and action.
a. Talk about how you heard about the job, i.e. (Hartford Courant, Glassdoor, Indeed).
b. your experience/education i.e. (years, degree/credential).
c. and why you are applying for this position. i.e. (explain how are you are good fit).
6. THE RATIONALE: - Body/Justification
The purpose is to strengthen and support information from your resume.
a. Show that you know something about the company i.e. (History on the Company or why they exist),
b. Show how and why you would fit in i.e. (give example of your personal attributes),
c. Mention Soft-skills; i.e. (communication, problem-solving, time management - give examples).
Address the Employer’s needs (found in the job ad) -
d. Mention Hard-skills; (keyboarding, cust serv, marketing, maintenance, assemble) that makes you qualified for the position.
e. Use the ‘SAR Method’ (S=Situation, A=Action, R=Result) -
 Illustrate (a story) to the employer–i.e. (situations/accomplishments where you used the skills they're looking for.
7. THE CLOSE: – Last paragraph
Close on a positive and upbeat note (closing argument for being the best candidate).
a. Summarize your qualifications then,
b. you suggest the next step to be taken -
 i.e. (you would be following up with a phone call or email as to the progress of my application).
c. Thank the employer for their time and consideration.
8. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING:
Sincerely,
Andrea Smith
Andrea Smith - Sign above where you typed your name.
9. Resume attached
27

28. 1) I think
2) I believe
3) Give me a chance
4) I’ll do anything
5) please
28

29. 29
The Active and Passive Voices are
the two voices of verbs.
Example:
• In the Active Voice, the subject
(you) DOES the action.
• In the Passive Voice, the subject
(you) DOES NOT DO the
action, but the action is done to
the subject.
You want to give the
first impression of -
authentication
Authorization
Confidence

30. 30
Utilize this COVER LETTER Opportunity
You can create a stronger, very powerful, credible and memorable impression of
you by changing how you speak about yourself.
Instead of saying:
1) I’m a great leader -- as candidates often state on their cover letters
 Instead: give a work-situation which will position you as a great leader.
2) I’m passionate about helping people --
 Instead: give a situation where it shows how passionate you are.
Provide a short illustration -- that leads the employer to the
desired conclusion.
Each case or illustration should project a specific quality about you, without
you actually saying it.
You MUST Justify being a top candidate
by illustrating why you are and not by saying that you are.
.
Elie Klachkindeveloper of career marketing tools. writer and coach. creator of resuMMe (MultiMedia resume)

31. EXERCISE: compose a cover letter
Using the Sample Job Advertisement
31

32. Sample job advertisement
Hartford Courant
Customer Service Officer
Customer service officer, Ref: 555JA
We are a large pharmaceutical company looking for a customer service officer to join our administration team.
This role would be suitable for an experienced customer service officer, preferably someone who has previously
worked in a pharmaceutical or medical environment.
As the customer service officer, you will:
Meet and greet clients and customers
Respond to internal and external enquiries via email,
phone and face-to-face
Manage customer order entries
Manage and update client accounts
Provide customers with quotes and product knowledge
Update client databases
Perform general administration tasks
Support other departments
We are looking for someone who is friendly, hardworking and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
The successful candidate will also have:
Excellent communication skills
A warm, approachable manner
At least two years experience in a customer service position
Extensive experience using MS office software
Experience using database management systems
Should this position be of interest please email a current resume to Lionel Millier at lionel.millier@email.com, or
mail to Karp Pharmaceuticals, 100 Green Street, Hartford CT 06451
32

33. To help list your accomplishments - think of a time when
you:
 Increased profits
 Reduced costs
 Reduced errors
 Reduced conflict
 Reduced losses
 Improved quality
 Improved teamwork
 Made things
smoother
 Made things easier
 Did what couldn't be
done
 Sped things up
 Foresaw a need
 Foresaw a problem
 Foresaw an opportunity
 Found an easier solution
 Found a cheaper solution
 Found a new opportunity
 Accomplished the same with
less
 Accomplished more with the
sameCreate a statement using the above accomplishment starters………….

34. Keep it Short
1. A Well-Written Cover Letter Serves --
 as a sample of your writing ability
 your enthusiasm to work for the employer
 your value and fit for the job
 Your knowledge on what you learn about the
company and the job.
2. Make sure that your
Cover Letters are concise (short).
3. 3 - 5 paragraphs
4. Every statement conveys something
significant about -
‘why you are the best person for the
job’.
job seekers are
concerned
about
burdening
busy recruiters
with letters
when they
are not
asked for.
34

35. The Changes in Job Search Method
Here are six ways
the job search
has changed
and the
tactics
needed
to get
hired
1) Passive job searching is no longer
an option -
2) Fewer jobs mean more
competition -
3) Mistakes, even minor, are not
tolerated -
4) Social media is the new recruiting
tool -
5) Customization is critical -
6) Networking is more important than
ever.
By CareerBuilder , Posted Jan 31st 2012 @ 9:33AM By Debra Auerbach

36. Social Media Websites: (Job search) over age 40
Spanish-based
An inside look at Jobs & companies
BeKnown™
Career Hub for Tech/Eng
36

37. MODERN STYLE COVER LETTER
37

38. Should I Include My LinkedIn Profile
URL on My Resume?
The short
answer to is
YES !
LinkedIn Profile
address has
become a
standard item to
put in your resume
header.
WHY ?
90% of hiring
managers now use
social media -
as a primary
resource to research
candidates.

39. – URL - uniform resource
locator
• is a specific character string
that constitutes a reference
to an Internet resource.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
URL: www./linkedin/ctworks85.com
39

40. Modern :
Header on your Cover Letter:
asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov
www./linkedin/ctworks85.com
40

41. CHANGE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE -
- OFTEN -
employers can tell if your online information
is current by the last update.
Recommend Updating
EVERY 7 TO 30 DAYS

42. ……..Writing A Cover Letter
1. CL - is a sales pitch, an attention -
getter.
 It identifies the singles most important reason
why you should get further consideration for
the job.
2. CL - is to the point –
 one page and balanced.
3. CL - does not repeat the resume but
information in the resume
that relates to the Job Ad.
4. CL - must have
 perfect grammar and spelling.
5. Font
 margins at 1 ”.
 times new roman
 Font size 12 (no less than 11)
6. Make all statements positive
7. CL - is a personal communication
 between you and the employer.
8. CL - should enable the reader to
make a connection between
 the company and your background.
9. Use the same bonded resume
paper.
10. Identifies relocation issues
 (willing to relocate)
 an added incentive for the employer.
11. CL - Follow instructions in employment
ads or recruitment directions.
12. CL - expresses your knowledge of
the company and why you would
like
 to work for the company.
42

43. ……Writing a CL
13. Identify the employer's key
words and use them.
14. Use industry jargon specific to
your career field.
15. Use action verbs and phrases.
 Make every work count.
 Be specific avoid general statements.
16. Sound determined and
confident
 not desperate.
17. Show originality not cuteness.
18. Follow up
 phone call, about five days after expected
postage delivery.
18. Focus on the employer's need for a
worker
 rather than your need for a job.
18. CL - identifies mutual acquaintances
 or company employees, if you know any.
19. standard Cover Letter format.
 Block style; everything to the left.
20. Sign in blue or black ink.
43

44. Cover Letter Critiquing
44
available
via email
asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov

45. Exercise:
Sample Cover Letter
45

46. Cover Letters that Gets Results
46
Andrea Smith
HRA/CTWorks So. Central
asmith.ctwbs@ct.gov