Cover Letter Lesson

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter

Learn how to create a standout cover letter that grabs attention and impresses all.

Cover Letter Essentials

• Know Your Purpose: Tailor your cover letter to the job or college application.
• Gather Information: Research the company or college to show genuine interest.
• Format & Header: Use a standard business letter format with your contact details and date.

Multiple Choice

What should you do to tailor your cover letter to a job or college application?

• Research the company or college to show genuine interest

• Use a standard business letter format with your contact details and date

• Know your purpose

• Gather information

Gather Information

• Research the company or college to show genuine interest
• Use a standard business letter format with your contact details and date
• Know your purpose

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter

• Salutation: Address the recipient by name, such as 'Dear Dr. Smith' or 'Dear Ms. Jones'. Avoid generic salutations like 'To Whom It May Concern'.

• Opening Paragraph: Clearly state the job position or college program you're applying for and where you found it.

• Body: Discuss your experiences, skills, and passions with specific examples. For a job, highlight how you can benefit the company. For college, explain why the institution is a good fit and how your high school experiences prepared you.

• Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the job or college. For a job, mention your admiration for the company's dedication to sustainability. For college, express excitement about hands-on research opportunities.

Multiple Choice

What should be included in the opening paragraph of a cover letter?

• Generic salutations like 'To Whom It May Concern'

• Clearly stating the job position or college program

• Discussing experiences, skills, and passions with specific examples

• Expressing genuine interest in the job or college

Opening Paragraph

Trivia: The opening paragraph of a cover letter should clearly state the job position or college program. It is important to avoid generic salutations like 'To Whom It May Concern' and instead personalize the letter. Additionally, discussing experiences, skills, and passions with specific examples and expressing genuine interest in the job or college can make the cover letter more impactful.

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter

• Research: Understand the company/college and its values.

• Structure: Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.

• Introduction: Grab attention and state the purpose of the letter.

• Body: Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.

• Closing: Thank them and express interest in an interview or college community.

• Sign Off & Signature: Use formal sign-offs and handwritten signature for hard copies.

• Proofread & Review: Check for errors, clarity, and conciseness. Seek feedback.

• Customize: Tailor each letter to the specific job or college.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the introduction in a cover letter?

• To grab attention and state the purpose of the letter

• To highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements

• To thank the company/college and express interest in an interview or college community

• To check for errors, clarity, and conciseness

Introduction Purpose:

• Grab attention: The introduction in a cover letter is meant to catch the reader's attention and make them want to continue reading.
• State purpose: It also serves to clearly state the purpose of the letter, whether it's applying for a job or expressing interest in a college community.
• Highlight skills: Additionally, the introduction is used to highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements to make a strong first impression.

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter

• Research the Company or College: Tailor your cover letter to the specific job or college to show genuine interest.
• Follow Application Instructions: Adhere to word/page limits and address specific questions or prompts.
• Send & Follow Up: For jobs, send a polite follow-up after 2 weeks. For college applications, submit all parts by the deadline.
• Key Tips: Be authentic, show examples instead of telling, and focus on what you can offer.

Multiple Choice

What is one key tip for crafting an impressive cover letter?

• Research the Company or College

• Follow Application Instructions

• Send & Follow Up

• Be authentic

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter

• Research the Company or College: Show your interest and knowledge about the organization.
• Follow Application Instructions: Pay attention to details and submit all required documents.
• Send & Follow Up: Send your cover letter and follow up to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
• Be authentic: Showcase your true self and unique qualities.

Open Ended

Sequence the steps to writing a cover letter. Use your notes.