Project 3 - Cover Letter

By CRAIG KUNCE

Due

• Group work research (see instructions below)
• Final cover letter on resme-quality paper (instructor has)
• A copy of the job opening you wrote the cover letter for

Group Work Instructions (In Class)

In class, get into your collaborative groups and complete the following:

1. Create a list of the top ten things that make a great cover letter
2. Create a list of the top 5–10 things you shouldn't do on a cover letter
3. Find 5 examples of good cover letters and explain why they are good
4. Find 5 examples of bad cover letters and explain why they are bad

E-mail your instructor the information at kuncec@westerntc.edu

What is a Cover Letter?

And why use one?

A cover letter is a form of professional business correspondence used to apply for a job. It is your first impression—so make it count.

You are a professional graphic designer now, so the way you apply for a job should be professional as well. Businesses will be expecting a cover letter to accompany your resume. Most will ask for it directly in their job posting.

Each cover letter should be customized for the specific position you are applying for. Don’t use a “form” or generic cover letter.

Your cover letter is your opportunity to show your personality and to communicate your skills, abilities, interest, and enthusiasm for the job. It elaborates on your resume, and It helps to differentiate you from other candidates.

Guidelines for writing your cover letter

• Content should be individualized to meet the specific position requirements.
• Some, but not all the content should be similar to what is on your resume.
  
• Paper should match exactly the paper used for your resume.
  
• Length should not exceed one page.
  
• Your name and address should appear on every page.
  
• Have several people proofread your letter.
  
• Each letter should be addressed to a specific name.
  

Look at other samples for ideas and inspiration

Find cover letter samples in your college’s library, and at:

• www.smashingmagazine.com
• www.susanireland.com
• www.resume-resource.com
  

Also... search Google and Yahoo for more cover letter samples.

Sample 1

1. Your personally branded header should be used here. Use the same branded look for your resume, cover letter, references and any other letter or business correspondence you send (it may be altered somewhat to fit your color samples page).
2. Date you write and mail the cover letter. Make sure they are within the same week.
3. Be sure to spell everything correctly and get their title right.
4. Salutation. I still prefer Dear. I think it gives a personal touch. I also prefer Mr. or Ms. and a last name only.
5. The main reason for the letter.
6. Your skills, experience, knowledge and education. Refer to their job posting to see what they want.
7. Soft skills, personal goals, excitement and enthusiasm.
8. Enthusiasm, Action line, state the next steps.
9. Thanks them in advance.
10. Sign you name in blue or black.
11. What did you send them?

Download a PDF of this cover letter sample: cover_letter_sample.pdf (44K)