Monday, April 27

The following is copied from the PowerPoint I presented in class today. The lecture only covered cover letters. We will cover resumes on Wednesday.

Cover Letter

Writing a Business Letter

• Should be brief and to the point
• Important information placed early in the letter
• Be concise, avoid digressions and try to sound as natural as possible

Writing a Business Letter

• First paragraph should introduce your subject & mention prior correspondence
• Note that paragraphs are not indented
• Body of letter should present info readers need in order to understand points
• Conclusion should reinforce your message

Writing a Business Letter

• Single-space within paragraphs
• Double-space between paragraphs
• Proofread carefully!!!
• Most business letters use block format
• Block format = all parts of letter aligned with left-hand margin

See Chapter 28 in Wadsworth Handbook for examples.

Writing Letters of Application

• Letters of application should be short and focused
• Primary objective is to obtain an interview
• Summarizes your qualifications for a specific position

Writing Letters of Application Introductory Paragraph

• Begin by identifying job for which you are applying
• State where you heard about the job—website, newspaper, etc.
• End your introduction with a statement that expresses your ability to do the job

Writing Letters of Application Body Paragraphs

• Provide information that will convince your reader of your qualifications—relevant courses you have taken, pertinent job experience, etc.
• Be sure to address any specific points mentioned in the ad
• Emphasize your strengths and explain how they relate to the specific job for which you are applying. Sell yourself!

Writing Letters of Application Conclusion Paragraph

• Say that you have enclosed your resume
• State you are available for an interview
• Note any dates you will not be available
• Or, state date and time you will be contacting him/her to set up an interview
• Include your phone number and email address

Checklist: Letters of Application

• Does the first paragraph of the letter identify the job for which you are applying, mention where you heard about it, and state that you want to be considered?
• Does the body of the letter explain why you are qualified for the job?
• Does the concluding paragraph refer to your resume, request an interview, and give your phone number and your email address?
• Does the letter look professional???