What Is a Cover Letter (1).pptx.....................

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1. What Is a Cover Letter   A Cover letter is a document sent with your resume for additional information on your skills and experience. Sending a cover letter with your resume can allow hiring managers to learn more detailed information about you, your accomplishments and how you can benefit their company. Employers often use cover letters to screen candidates for jobs before moving forward in the hiring process. Learning the purpose of a cover letter and how to discuss your professional background in one can help you lead a successful job search.

2. WHY YOU SHOULD WRITE A COVER LETTER Informally introduces you. It should help the employers decide why to hire you. It should show the employers your skills. It highlights specific information from your CV and from your background that applies to a specific field or position. To advertise your strengths in a way that would interest employers in interviewing you. Increase the chance to getting the job. A cover letter is important because it serves as the first chance for the recruiter to see the qualifications that make you a good fit for the position. The extra effort not only shows the employer that you're serious about the job, but the letter differentiates you from other candidates.

3. Types of cover letters 1. Application cover letter . This is the most common type of cover letter that candidates use to apply for a job. This traditional style includes details about your professional experience that are relevant to the requirements of the job post. It's also an opportunity to explain details that aren't in your resume, such as an employment gap, a career change and the reason you're excited to work for a specific company 2. Referral cover letter A referral cover letter is also useful for applying for a job, but it mentions the name of a current employee who referred you to the open position. A referral can help you distinguish yourself during the hiring process. Consider sending a copy of your referral cover letter and resume to the person who referred you to keep them updated on your application process . 

4. Types of cover letters 3. Letter of interest A letter of interest is a cover letter that inquires about job openings at a company where you want to work. A company may not have job postings public but may still be looking for qualified individuals. This type of cover letter takes the initiative to let the hiring manager know your interest in working with them. You can also improve your odds of finding better work by using resources like  Indeed profile , which centralizes your resume, job preferences and qualifications. A few weeks after sending the letter of interest, consider contacting the recruiter or hiring manager to follow up on your inquiry. A phone call or email may help them remember you, and you can keep the call or email short and professional while still showing your enthusiasm for working for the company.  4. Value proposition letter A value proposition letter is a summary that explains what makes you unique, such as your skills, accomplishments and the value you can add to a company. This type of short cover letter is usually used as a resume summary statement or as an answer for  "tell me about yourself"  interview question.Related :  Types of Cover Letters (With Samples)

5. What to include in a cover letter A cover letter can include the most interesting and relative experiences and skills you have for the open position. How you meet the job's requirements Give details about your current and past experience and how it directly impacts your ability to succeed in the new position. Pay close attention to the job description and pick out specific aspects of the job that you can compare to your knowledge. Include numbers or percentages to specify your qualifications. For example, if you're applying to a marketing job that requires a deep  knowledge of SEO , you might describe how you worked several successful SEO campaigns in your last position and trained three new marketing associates on SEO best practices over your two-year employment

6. Why you want to work at the company Employers want to know your motivation for working with them. They want to hire someone who expresses sincere interest in the job's duties and enthusiasm for the company. Explain how working there can fulfill your career goals. It's important to be sincere. Discuss a company's reputation and growth to show that you performed research about the employer and are genuinely interested in contributing to its success. Other elements of a cover letter can include. Meaningful anecdotes : Tell an interesting story about your experience with the company, industry or the type of job. For example, you can mention that you've been a customer of this establishment for over 10 years or that you've dreamt of working in this industry since you read an article in the newspaper last year. A call to action A polite, open-ended call to action such as "I look forward to hearing more about this opportunity," shows your excitement and suggests a reason for employers to call you :  

7. Purpose of cover letter Main goal is an interview and ultimately, a job offer Main purpose of cover letter - gain an attentive audience for your resume A cover letter should always accompany your resume Links your qualifications to the specific requirements of the job. Cover Letter Outline: 1) INTRODUCTION :INTRODUCTION Purpose Name a specific position you would like to interview for with a specific company. Scope How did you learn about the position? Why do you want this position? Why do you want to work for this company? What do you know about this position?  INTRODUCTION cont’d Overview Use scope to lead into qualifications. Identify main areas of your qualifications to lead into your discussion . 2) MAIN BODY Tell about your special skills Discuss only what qualifies you for this position Tailor you experiences to the position Refer the reader to your resume Sell yourself, your experience, knowledge, character, and desire to work for this company

8. Cover Letter Outline: 3) DISCUSSION CONCLUSION Purpose Ask for an interview Summary Confirm your interest in working for this company Tell them how to reach you and when you are available CONCLUSION cont’d Close Add a thank you for their time and consideration Sign your name in ink (Use the name you go by in your resume) Add enclosure for your resume and references list. Be sure to check the spelling and grammar used Margins should be no less than one inch on all four sides Paragraphs should be single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs Font Style/Size – Times New Roman (12-14)

9. Tips for writing cover letters Pick an appropriate voice and tone.   Write like yourself, but research the company to get an idea of what  tone and voice  to use. For example, the voice and tone you use for a marketing design company may differ from a legal consulting firm. Read the job description.  Before writing a cover letter, read the job description closely to understand what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Pick out  cover letter keywords  that emphasize the skills and experience you have that are beneficial Pay attention to instructions.   Some employers instruct candidates to answer specific questions or provide certain information in their cover letter. Be sure to read these notes carefully to them

10. Tips for writing cover letters Pay attention to instructions .  Some employers instruct candidates to answer specific questions or provide certain information in their cover letter . Address your contact correctly .  Sometimes the hiring manager's name is not available. In these cases, put the company's name at the top, then address the letter as "Dear Hiring Manager." Diversify your word choice .  Try to use more creative word variations, such as "tenacious" instead of "determined," and begin with an attention-grabbing starting sentence Keep it short.   The length of your cover letter may ultimately depend on the number of details you include and if the employer specifies a minimum or maximum length. Be as clear and concise as possible to illustrate your qualifications, and remember that your cover letter is a more personal representation of your skills, not a reiteration of your resume.