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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3
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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