Cover+Letter+Design

**Cover Letter Design**
 * DUE APRIL 16**



There are two popular types of cover letters out there today. The first is called a 'cold cover letter'. This is a generic cover letter that would be attached to a resume and would apply to any and all jobs. The author does not know who will read this or a contact name. This type of letter is not job specific so the author must work hard to make sure their letter stands out while not using anything specific. With so many job search engines out there, this is the way many people go in order to cover more ground.

An 'employer specific' or 'custom' cover letter pretty much defines itself in the name. This type of cover letter is designed to be job specific. The author knows exactly what type of skills and demands this job requires and will shape his/her letter so that his/her skills truly attract what the employer is looking for to fill this position. Of course, this letter requires more research into the company, more matching up of past job skills to future skills, and through skillful writing, the author is also working his/her personality into this very important written introduction.

**ALL COVER LETTERS ARE ONE PAGE ONLY** For your assignment, you will be creating an 'employer specific' cover letter. You may choose your own job opportunity of click here for our class list. Before you begin, help yourself out by answering these questions: 1. What are the three most important skills this job requires? 2. Do you have any experience with those skills? If not, you're going to need to get creative here. 3. What you lack in experience...which may be a little or a lot, can be made up in personality and character. What three adjectives have people used to describe you and can any of those help you in this position until you learn the ropes?

**Cover Letter:** A cover letter is a formal letter that will be included on top of your resume that allows the reader to learn more about you and your ability to fulfill the job. The cover letter is not a summary of your resume, but rather, a testament to your enthusiasm and confidence that you can meet the expectations of the challenge. It is purposeful, direct, and answers the question whether you are the right person for this position. For this assignment, you will write a letter to a potential employer or current employer with intentions of improving your current position or gaining a new one. *This is a real resume and you can only apply to positions that are within your reach considering your current resume and degree level. See me in ten years with a lot more education and I'll help you with your application to become an astronaut. *Microsoft Word has a number of letterhead templates you can use. Make sure you choose one that shows your personality, but also remains professional and mature.***** Your cover letter in four easy paragraphs: Cover Letter Outline**

First Paragraph: Quickly draw attention to the occasion of your letter. (Why are you writing? Name drop a connection. Explain how you heard about the position.) This paragraph is short. Really short. Potentially, this could be two to three sentences long.

Second Paragraph: (A little bit about you.)Share with them the experience you are have with working with others, leading, serving food, managing in a time pressured situation etc. Even if you haven't had a job like this before, you can rely on good grades, participation in sports or group activities, and personal interests to help prove that you have the general characteristics they want.

Third Paragraph: (Why you and this job are a perfect match.) Make the specific connection for your 'future' boss and point out you will REALLY benefit what he/she will need for this position. Perhaps they need someone who can work overtime or cover shifts on the weekend. Be sure to offer up what you can provide that will make your application stand out among the hundreds of other people applying.

Fourth Paragraph: Close your essay with a sincere interest in continuing this conversation at THEIR convenience. Be sure to appear flexible and willing to communicate further. Mention that you have included both the application and your resume for their review. It doesn't hurt to include that you would like them to hold onto your resume for any future positions if the position you are seeking has already been filled.

Close with 'Respectfully, Sincerely' LEAVE THREE LINES OF SPACE for your hand written name. Type your name a couple lines below.

*And of course this letter is addressed professionally and absolutely must include the date.