DYNAMITE COVER LETTERS - BCIT

DYNAMITE COVER LETTERS

BECOME POWERFUL WITH A STRATEGIC

MIX OF MARKETING KNOW-HOW AND

WORD POWER WITH SPARKLING BEGINNINGS

AND POLISHED ENDINGS.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT

EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

bcit.ca/eJobs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFINITION OF A COVER LETTER.................................3

ADVANTAGES OF A COVER LETTER...............................3

WHAT DOES YOUR READER NEED TO KNOW?...............4

COVER LETTER PITFALLS.............................................5

PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER....................................5

TOP TEN SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES BC

EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR...................................6

Top Attributes...............................................................6

Top Skills.....................................................................6

COVER LETTERS THAT INCREASE SALARIES

AND LAND MORE INTERVIEWS.....................................7

Powerful Content..........................................................7

Exercise #1..................................................................7

SAMPLE LETTER #1.....................................................8

SAMPLE LETTER #2....................................................9

SAMPLE COVER LETTER............................................ 10

Response to Advertisement.......................................... 10

PROSPECTING COVER LETTER SAMPLE 1................... 11

PROSPECTING COVER LETTER SAMPLE 2................... 12

EXERCISE #2.............................................................13

Write a Persuasive Letter............................................. 13

POINTS TO REMEMBER IN COVER LETTERS................ 14

FINAL CHECK............................................................ 14

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DYNAMITE COVER LETTERS

?BCIT 2011

DEFINITION OF A COVER LETTER

A letter of application sent with a resume in response to an advertised position, a letter of introduction for no job

advertised, or to a Headhunter.

Neglect the importance of a dynamite cover letter ¨C and other types of job search letters - and you neglect one of the most

important elements in a successful job search.

ADVANTAGES OF A COVER LETTER

>> Gives employers a quick summary of how your qualifications match their needs.

>> Highlights unique, specific contributions you would bring.

>> Makes a positive first impression.

>> Attracts and holds interest, inspiring employers to find out more about you from your resume and in an interview.

?BCIT 2011

Student Employment Services

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WHAT DOES YOUR READER NEED TO KNOW?

Step #1: Opening paragraph

>> Concise, punchy sentences grab attention!

>> Identify your target job.

>> Where you saw the ad.

>> If someone who knows the employer referred you, give the name of that person.

>> Your interest in the position.

Step #2: Second paragraph

>> Highlight your strongest qualifications.

>> Demonstrate how these qualifications will benefit the employer.

Step #3: Third paragraph

>> Demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Create interest by showing your value.

Step #4: Fourth paragraph

>> Give a detailed description of your experience. Show employers (do not tell) your qualifications.

Step #5: Closing paragraph

>> Thank the employer in advance for their consideration and that you are looking forward to meeting with soon.

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DYNAMITE COVER LETTERS

?BCIT 2011

PURPOSE OF A COVER LETTER

COVER LETTER

PITFALLS

Your cover letter should:

1.

2.

Explain why you are sending a r¨¦sum¨¦. Do not send a r¨¦sum¨¦ without a cover letter

(unless you are explicitly asked to do so.) Do not make the reader guess what you are

asking for or what you have to offer; be specific: Do you want a summer internship

opportunity or a permanent position at graduation? Are you inquiring about future

employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization (for example,

through a flier posted in your department, a specific directory in the Career

Development Centre, or a family friend who works at the organization). It is appropriate

to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write (if you have their

permission).

3. Convince the reader to look at your r¨¦sum¨¦. The cover letter will be seen first and

should complement your r¨¦sum¨¦. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted

to the employer.

>> Too many sentences

start with ¡°I¡±

>> Focuses too much on

how you will benefit

>> Too vague; expects

readers to find

everything in resume

>> Is dull; does not

capture the reader¡¯s

attention

4. Call attention to elements of your background ¨C education, leadership, experience ¨C

that are all relevant to the position to which you are seeking. Be as specific as possible,

using examples that make you uniquely qualified.

5. Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm and communication skills.

6. Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that is

not covered in your r¨¦sum¨¦, such as your availability date or the inclusion of a required

writing sample.

7.

If possible, provide ¡°extra value¡± statements which will increase your desirability.

?BCIT 2011

Student Employment Services

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