13 Cover Letters
Learning Objectives
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Develop a professional cover letter that highlights your skills, experience, education, and training.
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Create multiple drafts of extended and short answer responses to prompts to correct and refine one’s writing.
Chapter & Discussion
This chapter includes a presentation that can be navigated in a classroom setting or independently. You can access the presentation via the link below.
Writing a Professional Cover Letter
Work through the different sections of the chapter and discuss ideas and topics as they arise. If you’re working independently, take notes instead. Notes and active discussion will be helpful in navigating this week’s assignments.
Overview
A cover letter is written in the format of a business letter, but its purpose is to explain your professional qualifications to an employer and show them why you would be a good fit for this position. It should:
- Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements
- Go into detail about your professional career
- Explain why you’re a good professional and cultural fit for this role and organization
A good cover letter can impress employers and set you apart from other candidates.
Planning
Planning for your cover letter requires reflection about your qualifications and research about the organization and position.
Reflect on:
Your work experience and how you would like to relate that experience to employers
Your professional skills and how you might best phrase these skills
How you’d like to market yourself in a professional setting
Research:
The specific job listing, including any special instructions it might have included
The organization you’re applying to, their mission, and company culture
Who you are addressing the letter to
Format
Header that includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and the date. This is followed by the company name and address.
Salutation addressed to the hiring manager or committee.
Introduction Paragraph stating why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying, and mention how you heard of the opening or organization. Briefly discuss how you resonate with their mission/vision/values/goals.
1-2 Content Paragraphs that explain why you are interested in working for this employer. Make the connection between the skills and qualifications the employer is seeking and what you bring to the table. Emphasize a couple of specific skills, accomplishments, or abilities that relate to the job for which you are applying. Provide key examples or support for your main selling points.
Closing Paragraph that has an appropriate closing to paves the way for the interview. Be sure to thank them for their time and consideration of your application.
A Salutation and signature that reinforce your professionalism.
Here is an example of a cover letter’s formatting.
Assigned Reading
Here are this week’s readings. Additionally, please read for your own personal enjoyment for 1/2 hour each day. This will be called your “Reading Zone” reading and it will coincide with many upcoming activities.
How to Write a Cover Letter by Jennifer Herrity (via Indeed)
Assignment: Professional Cover Letter
Read How to Write a Cover Letter by Jennifer Herrity and watch the video at the bottom of the page.
Once you’ve read the article and watched the video, complete the Google Applied Digital Skills module to complete your own cover letter.
Google Applied Digital Skills: How to Write a Cover Letter
Attach your cover letter as a Google Doc or PDF as your submission for this assignment.
OPTIONAL: You may decide to use this assignment to build a Future Goals Cover Letter. To do this, simply include experience, training, and education that you plan on completing in the future. If you do so, please indicate future items by making their text blue in your document.
Assignment: Reading Zone Response (250 Words)
For Reading Zone, you must find a novel that is interesting to you and enjoyable to read. If you need help finding a Reading Zone book, please ask. Please read your Reading Zone book for a half-hour each day. On class days, there will be time in class dedicated to reading.
Create a response to this week’s reading that addresses the following prompts:
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In one paragraph, summarize what you’ve read this week
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In a second paragraph, talk about what you would do if you were the protagonist and you were facing the same circumstances.