formulas for career success cover letters worksheet quizlet

How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter for a Job

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Connect to the Information on Your Resume

In general, the cover letter should make the connection between the skill and experience-based qualifications in your resume, and your interest and relevance to the particular role, organization, and industry at hand.

This can be especially important for career changers wanting to show why they’re making a change, and why that transition (that may or may not include hands-on experience) will be a smooth one.

1) State what position and organization you’re applying to:

It sounds unnecessary, but a hiring manager can be recruiting for 100s of different positions, particularly if they’re a third-party placement firm, so you need to be clear as possible. 

This also makes it easy for them to forward your letter and resume along to the appropriate party who might be making the hiring and interviewing decisions. 

If you’re unsure how to address your reader, go with a simple greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager”, or even “Hello-“. “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” sound antiquated.

Dear Hiring Manager: I’m reaching out to you with interest in the Graphic Designer role with Brooklyn Resume Studio.  I have over 6 years of experience…

2) Your cover letter should supplement your resume, not recreate it exactly:

Follow your opening with a 1 to 2-line brief high-level overview of your expertise or specialization, and what you bring to the table.

My background combines over 7 years of experience creating compelling integrated campaigns for clients in the retail and fashion space, with a strong knowledge of designing interfaces for mobile and tablet platforms. I’ve collaborated with a number of highly-respected creative agencies including Digitas, Publicis, and BBDO to create award-winning work that speaks to customers’ goals and expectations.

3) The next paragraph starts the main body of your cover letter:

How you approach it will differ depending upon your current employment situation and what you’re trying to convey.  In a typical case, you might start off by introducing your current role and organization with a brief overview of what you do there, and any pertinent details to supplement that, such as accomplishments or ways that you’ve really positively impacted the company.

The goal isn’t to reiterate what’s on the resume, but to give a compelling lead in that suggests that what you’re currently doing is relevant to the role you’re applying for. You might do the same for previous roles, but again, be concise.

As Senior Designer for the ABC group, I lead a group of 3 digital designers in the creation of integrated marketing campaigns across print, web, and mobile for high-end fashion clientele including Ralph Lauren, JCrew, and Louis Vuitton. With 5 years of experience at the agency, my role is duel-focused on both hands-on design work and project leadership, serving as the primary point of contact between cross-functional agency teams, vendors, and clients. I recently served as the lead creative on a digital campaign for XYZ brand, which won multiple One Show awards and helped elevate the agency’s reputation as a key player in the fashion advertising space.

4) The next paragraph gives you a chance to really personalize and tailor the letter:

This is where you might discuss why you feel you’re a great fit for this particular role and organization. This is important because it not only shows that you did your homework and research, but this is how you effectively customize a cover letter.

• What aspects attract you to the role?
• How do you see yourself really thriving in this type of culture?
• What do you bring to the organization that’s particularly unique?

You might go into personal attributes here as well, perhaps soft skills like how your ability to be flexible and adapt quickly makes you a strong candidate for successfully navigating a career change, or your passion for your work has proved valuable in moving up through your organization.

 I’ve been following Brooklyn Resume’s work and am intrigued by the new direction the agency is taking in establishing itself as experts in the multicultural advertising space. This appeals to me greatly, as I also bring experience within the Hispanic market sector from my last role as a Designer for DraftFBC, in addition to being a native Spanish speaker and having lived in Mexico for 3 years. To gain more experience in that space while leveraging my existing knowledge of the market would be the ideal next move in my career.

5) Finally, close out with 1 to 2 lines inviting them to contact you for a meeting:

Be sure to thank them in advance for their consideration.

 I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the needs of the position and my qualifications in more depth. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps.  Respectfully, Dana Leavy-Detrick

Addressing Other Topics on Your Cover Letter

One thing to note is that your cover letter may address other areas outside of those mentioned, particularly if you’re changing careers, or perhaps making a transition from being self-employed for a long period of time back into the traditional 9 to 5.

Another potential area is discussing an employment gap, which I advise you to do so in a way that points back to your strengths.

Took time off to travel? What skills or knowledge, or cultural immersion did you gain along the way?

It’s not the place to discuss maternity leave , illness, or other information that might be better left to a one-on-one conversation during an interview. Remember, this is your first impression, so make it your best.

Do Hiring Managers Read Cover Letters?

Hiring managers receive a lot of applications for a job posting. They’ll often jump right to the resume to look for key qualifying information such as job titles, where a candidate has worked, and how many years of experience they have. This helps them short-list candidates that might be a good fit based on their skill set and the requirements of the role.

Many hiring managers admit to not reading the cover letter before reviewing the resume. However, the cover letter can include information that’s difficult to articulate in a more formal resume format. So other hiring managers view the cover letter as a tool for providing deeper insight into who the candidate is as a person.

Regardless, you always want to have a customized cover letter prepared in case it’s requested as part of the application package.

While the cover letter can be a great tool to complement the resume, make sure the resume can stand on its own . It should include any critical information that’s likely to influence a hiring manager’s decision. If there’s a great selling point, don’t leave it just to the cover letter to communicate. Make sure you’re emphasizing that quality or attribute in your resume as well.

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Cover Letter Worksheet

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Effective cover letters are marketing tools for your job or internship search. Since marketing is about understanding and meeting the needs of a specific audience, your letter should focus on the needs of a specific employer. These needs or requirements are typically described in the job posting, which can help you tailor your background to fit each opportunity. Use this worksheet to brainstorm content for a uniquely customized letter.

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4-Step Formula to Writing Better Cover Letters

Published: Aug 21, 2019

Writing a cover letter when applying for jobs is the easiest way to improve your chances of getting the job. In fact, hiring experts believe good cover letters increase your chances of getting hired by about 90 percent. And these days, just like they use  application tracking systems  to scrape resumes, hiring managers use ATS software to scrape cover letters, meaning it's now more than ever before essential to write great letters. With that in mind, here are four simple steps you can take to create cover letters that will stand out.  

Step #1: Impress within 30 seconds

First impressions are vital. A cover letter is the first interaction between hiring managers and applicants. Unlike your resume, your cover letter is your chance to get your personality across. The objective is to make the reader curious enough to read your resume or invite for a job interview. You have only 30 seconds to impress hiring managers—this is the average time they spend on reading an application. The maximum length of a successful cover letter is half a page or a couple of short paragraphs. One-page long letters are evidence of applicants’ inability to get their messages across concisely. It also shows a lack of respect for the recruiter’s time. On the other hand, the two-sentence message with little substance often ends up in the trash bin.

Step #2: Personalize

Don’t use the same  cover letter for every job you apply for. To personalize your application, you should do some research on the company (website, articles, social networks), find the name of the person who’s recruiting (use Google, LinkedIn, and other social networks or call the company), and perhaps find a project you’re interested in at the company and tell how you can improve it by using your skills and experience. With your cover letter, your goal is to show that you took time and effort to write to the company—and to that company specifically. Your letter will stand out among the crowd of applicants if it contains company-specific information. Note that if you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, use “Dear hiring manager” rather than “To whom it may concern.” Also note that, if you're a gig worker or freelancer , it's even more essential to write personalize cover letters.

Step #3: Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them

Don’t start writing a cover letter with how good you are or what you want. You also don’t want to explain why you need the job. Instead, one of the most important cover letter tips is to tell the hiring officials what you can do for the company or a project. Avoid writing, “I am looking for a company where I can advance my career.” If you don’t have an idea on how you can be helpful in the position you’re applying for, use something like: “I am sure I would be a great set to your team, because …” Remember, you want to get across how you can help a company and what you can add to it, not what it can do for you. You would be surprised at how many applicants get this wrong, so remembering this will significantly improve your chances of getting the interview.

Step #4: Put it in the body of the email and check grammar

These days, you should almost never send your cover letter as an attachment. Attaching it adds an unnecessary step—which might never be taken. By attaching another document, you add obstacles for a manager to read your application. So make sure to send it in the body of an email. Also, it should go without saying, but you should always proofread your letter closely and check for any grammatical mistakes; you might want to use online services or a professional proofreader for that.

Here are some things to look out for: make sure to use active sentences rather than passive ones, don’t use intensifiers like very or extremely , never use emojis, and use Mr. or Ms. plus a surname when addressing the letter, rather than a first name (and if you don’t know if it’s Ms. or Mrs. use Ms.).

Susan Wallace, a professional hiring manager, is interested in educating job applicants. She provides essay writing services online , and believes that its essential to invest time and effort into the application process. In her practice, she never considers an application without a cover letter.

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Formulas For Career Success Cover Letters Assessment Flash Cards

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Formulas for Career Success: Cover Letters Assessment

5 hours ago Formulas for Career Success: Cover Letters - Assessment . Which of the following is the only time you might NOT need a cover letter ? When you are submitting your résumé in person at a networking event. A cover letter should NOT be which of the following? Nice work!

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Formulas for Career Success Flashcards Quizlet

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a cover letter successful.

You've heard the adage in real estate and retailing that success centers on three things: location, location, location. With cover letters, success is also tied to three things: specifics, specifics, specifics.

What is the story skills formula for cover letters?

We call it the Story + Skills Formula. And it looks like this: First, open your cover letter with a short, engaging story. About what, you ask? Perhaps you’ll explain how you found the company or why you’d like to work there.

What is a cover letter for resume?

A cover letter is a document that often accompanies a resume in a job application. It introduces you, your skills and experience and details why you would be the best fit for the role. Cover letters shouldn’t be long, just a few paragraphs of about 250 words or one double-spaced page.

How do i write a good ocs cover letter?

Use lots of action words. • Have an OCS adviser provide feedback, when possible. •onverting If c to a .pdf, check that your formatting translated correctly. Reference skills or experiences from the job description and draw connections to your credentials. • Make sure your resume and cover letter are prepared with the same font type and size.

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Formulas for Career Success: Financial A...

6th - 7th grade, formulas for career success: financial aid.

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• 1. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following is typically the largest expense at most colleges? Housing Tuition Books Food
• 2. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What percentage of full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid? 40 percent 50 percent 60 percent 70 percent
• 3. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which type of financial aid may be awarded for accomplishments such as academic achievement of athletic performance? grants scholarships work-study loans
• 4. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt From which source does the majority of financial aid funding come? Federal government State governments Individual colleges Private organizations
• 5. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which type of expense is the first to be covered by financial aid? General living expenses Room and board Tuition and fees Books and supplies
• 6. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which website does the presentation recommend using to fill out and submit the FAFSA? www.fafsa.com www.fafsa.org www.fiancialaid.org www.fafsa.ed.gov
• 7. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Who should NOT apply for financial aid? Students who will attend college part-time Students whose annual family income is over $100,000 Students who will attend community college All students should apply for financial aid
• 8. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt The FAFSA and PROFILE are used to award which type of aid? Gift aid only Self-help aid only All need-based aid All merit-based aid
• 9. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt According to the presentation, when should students complete and submit the FAFSA for the first time? Soon after high school graduation Soon after January 1 of their senior year in high school Soon after enrolling in a higher learning institution Soon after their 17th birthday
• 10. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which of the following occurs after your FAFSA has been processed? You will receive your aid within six weeks You will receive a visit from a financial aid advisor You will receive a Student Aid Port identifying your EFC You will receive a FAFSA2 allowing you to finish the process

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