Prompt: Writing a Cover Letter What Is A Cover Letter? A cover letter is a document that serves as an introduction to your résumé and provides the reader with additional context about your skills and qualifications when considering your application. Not only does it reiterate your enthusiasm and qualifications for the opportunity, but it also serves as mini writing sample which can be extremely helpful when applying for a position that requires strong written communication skills. Writing A Cover Letter Much like your position-specific résumé, a cover letter should be uniquely tailored for each opportunity you apply to. Researching the organization and position prior to writing your letter will provide helpful guidance on content to include and attributes to draw attention to. In addition, here are a few other general rules you should follow when formatting your cover letter Organizing Content When constructing the body of your cover letter, the content should be separated into four main paragraphs based on the skills and/or experiences you wish to highlight to your reader. These paragraphs should be written without indentation and contain the sentiments outlined below. Introduction Paragraph Why are you writing this cover letter? Specifically mention the position and company to which you are applying Make a connection with the reader by mentioning a common professional acquaintance, sharing the name of the company representative you spoke with at a career fair, or expressing how a certain aspect of the position or organization related to you personally Conclude the paragraph with a statement that identifies the skills, knowledge, and/or experience(s) you plan to discuss in the next two paragraphs Body Paragraphs Focus on one skill or experience you want to write about in each paragraph, then make sure that each one… Explains why you are a strong fit for the position and organization Shows that you possess the skills/qualifications listed in the position description by providing specific examples of past work, internship, classroom, volunteer, or leadership experiences Illustrates why/how your past experiences and skills can add value to the organization Closing Paragraph Thank the reader for reviewing your application materials Reiterate your interest in the position/organization by referring to them by name Express your willingness to follow up with more information if needed Provide your phone number and email address for contact if your contact section does not mirror your résumé Valediction (signature line) Leave a paragraph space after your closing paragraph for your valediction; sentiments such as “Sincerely”, “Kind regards”, “With appreciation”, and “Respectfully” can all be used and should be followed with a comma Leave at least two to three paragraph spaces between your valediction and your typed name to include a printed signature – even if you are not physically printing and signing the letter Activity Sample Job Description Activity Have a Job Description and 4 - 5 sample cover letters. Have students review each cover letter and put in order who they’d bring in for an interview. Have them answer some reflection questions about why they put them in that order (what stood out, how it related to the job description, etc.) Student must identify NACE Competencies and Skillsets Required Student must highlight required competencies and tailor their cover letter to the different roles Student then reflects on the possibilities of framing different experiences