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Its function is to convince the reader to review the resume that accompanies the cover letter. This document is also a clear indication of a person’s writing abilities as well as a great opportunity for you to sell yourself to an employer and convey your enthusiasm for the position and organization.  \nBEFORE YOU BEGIN  \n• Do you know what you want?  \nBefore you begin, make sure you have decided on a career field and a function you wish to perform in that field. Contact the Career Center for career exploration assistance, in order to effectively describe your goals.  \n• Have you identified a group of prospective employers?  \nThese should be companies or organizations likely to be hiring and likely to be interested in your skills and your background, or companies for which you have seen a job announcement.  \n• Have you prepared your resume?  \nYou should have a polished, professional and well-written resume appropriate to your career field.  \nReview the Resume Writing Guide.  \nDOS AND DON’TS OF A COVER LETTER  \n• DO read the job description for the position for which you apply. Much of the information included in your cover letter should be based on the job description. Research might also include areview of the company website.  \n• DO send a unique cover letter to every employer to whom you are applying. Form letters are easily recognized and very much frowned upon by employers. Each cover letter should be specific to the position and organization to which you are applying. If you are applying to similar positions you can use the same cover letter with minor changes.  \n• DO write your cover letter on paper that matches your resume.  \n• DO provide examples and develop your “marketing paragraph.” Anyone can say that they have certain skills. You need to prove to the reader that you have the skills they are looking for by providing examples from past experiences. For example, instead of simply saying “I am a highly organized individual,” say “I am a highly organized individual. For example, while working at XYZ store I was responsible for shipping and receiving merchandise, which required a significant amount of paperwork, both for incoming and outgoing merchandise, as well as for damaged, back ordered, and missing merchandise. Realizing that a position with ABC Realty would require someone with strong organizational skills and based on my prior experience with XYZ Store, Ifeel that I am very qualified for the position.”  \n• DO address the individual by name, not “Sir or Madame” or “Whom it May Concern,” and use the appropriate title: Mr., Ms., Dr., etc. If you do not have a name, call the organization and ask to whom you should send your application materials. With no phone number listed in the job announcement, orthe announcement stating not to contact them, address the letter to “Hiring Manager” or “Human Resources Manager.”  \n• DO explain the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph.  \n• DO show that you have researched the organization and the position by including well-chosen bits of informa","cbCaikD0c3PAhs6I","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaikD0c3PAhs6I","pdf",818924,"English","# Why Write a Cover Letter\n## Before You Begin\n## Do’s and Don’ts of a Cover Letter\n## Components of a Cover Letter\n### The Opening Paragraph\n### The Body Paragraph(s)\n### The Closing Paragraph\n## E-Mail Cover Letters\n## Format of a Cover Letter\n## Examples of Cover Letters\n## Example Internship Cover Letter\n## Example Cover Letter (Science)\n## Example Cover Letter (Business)\n## Example Cover Letter (Law)\n## Example E-Mail Cover Letter\n## Example Informational Interviewing Letter\n## Example Thank You Letter","[{\"question\":\"Why should a cover letter be included with a resume?\",\"answer\":\"A cover letter introduces the resume and helps convince the reader to review it. It also signals writing ability and allows you to express enthusiasm for the position and organization.\"},{\"question\":\"What are key do’s when writing a cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"Use the job description as a basis, send a unique tailored letter to each employer, address the reader by name when possible, include a clear purpose in the first paragraph, and keep it concise (typically one page with four or fewer paragraphs).\"},{\"question\":\"What should be avoided in a cover letter?\",\"answer\":\"Avoid negative phrases, photocopying letters, mechanical or overly dull wording, and rewriting your entire resume. Do not make the letter overly long or turn it into an essay or novel.\"}]","Guide to Writing a Cover Letter - and Other Employment Correspondence | PDF",1789112084,6]