Professional Cover Letters

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Writing cover letters can be one of the most daunting and difficult task job seekers are forced to do. Your cover letter isn’t just an introduction, it your first impression.
The document should be short and to the point, yet contain all the information necessary to get your foot in the door for that job interview. This is your time to shine! Brag about what you’re good at and passionate about, in reference to your career search. Be sure to include your personality but re-read and edit until it’s perfect.
It’s necessary to write or rewrite a cover letter for each position you are applying. This will show that your focus remains on the position while convincing the hiring team that you are the person they have been searching for.
Before you begin, it’s important to have your resume completed because you’ll be using it as a reference. You want the hiring administrator to be engaged and interested enough to keep reading. Remember, companies recieve hundreds of applicants who submit documentation with the same information they must read over and over. Your Cover Letter has to stand out so you aren’t rejected before given the chance to impress during an interview.
For those who are determined to write their own, here is a template/example that can be tailored made for just about any employment opportunity.

[Applicant Name]
Street Address
City, ST ZIP Code
Phone Number
Email Address

Month day, four digit year [July 11, 2017]

[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[Company name[
[Street Address]
[City, ST ZIP Code]

Dear [Recipient Name]:

Your first paragraph should be engaging (not boring) while stating your claim (purpose of the letter). Example:

I am writing you today about the Physical Therapist Assistant position posted, personally referred, or classifieds. I’m in search of a long-term career and I’m asking for an opportunity to show you that I am the proficient individual you are seeking to join your team.

Research the company and say something that stands out yet relates directly with the business. Example: Company’s motto: “It’s your life. We help you live it.” You can share a personal experience and relate with the company:

Your company motto is a philosophy that I also hold dear. As an amateur athlete, I was injured and know firsthand the importance of receiving hands-on care from a knowledgeable staff who develops and implements treatment programs to help patients get back to their lives.

This is about your experience. This is information that’s under the “Employment” section of your resume. The difference from your resume is start with the oldest company first. Talk about one or two job duties that you are passionate about.

With seven years of progressive experience working in the field, I have set myself up for success as a Physical Therapy Assistant. With Company A, I have treated all age groups, including pediatrics. During my association with the Company B, I proudly cared for active duty military personnel. Passion inspired me to instruct and demonstrate home exercise programs and implement aquatic therapy for ROM and strengthening while employed with Company C. Working for Company D, I obtained skills to developed and instructed home exercise programs for patients in the comfort of their own homes.

Time to sum it up with a breakdown of your competencies:

With a can-do attitude, I communicate effectively, execute ideas, and I have a keen interest and passion for helping others working under the direction of Physical Therapists and staff members. I’m a fast learner with strong analytical skills, a self-starter, and work well on a team with minimal to no supervision. I understand responsibility, time management, and hold an intense work ethic. Taking initiative and striving to do my best in any situation has always been my career focus.

For the closing, it’s necessary to get to the point with no fluff. However; you must end with a short paragraph that’ll make them want to call you to schedule an interview:

I have demonstrated for my employers an exceptional facility for meeting organizational goals and demands. In addition to my skills, I am certain I will be an asset as your next team member. You may contact me anytime.

Thank you for your time,

First and Last Name
Phone Number
Email Address

Another option is to hire a professional writer to create the one page document that could land that dream job. It’s important to fill out the questionnaire in its entirety if this is the route you chose. Not only will this help the writer develop a better sense of who are, but accurately document your skills and abilities.
Background

Craigslist.com Cover Letter Sample

The following Cover Letter example is simple, yet effective for grabbing the attention of a hiring manager. Please feel free to use it and it’s with my best hopes that if warranted, you’ll be on the road to employment in no time.

Your Name

Address

City, State Zip

Phone

Email

Date (September 29, 2002)

Hiring Agent Name

Company Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to you today about the XXXX position you have posted on craigslist.com.

I am not interested in obtaining another job. I’m in search of a career, and I am asking for an opportunity to use my professional and educational experience to make an immediate contribution to Company Name. Your company has exactly what I am looking for in a career and my involvement in the industry shows that I have the necessary skills to be your next Job Title.

I have experience as well as a degree in College Degree and/or Job Titles. With a can-do attitude, I list skills here (preferably those listed in add). I have a keen interest and passion for the position applied for.

I am a fast learner with strong analytical skills, a self-starter, and work well on a team with minimal to no supervision. I certainly understand list any job requirements listed in add, and hold an intense work ethic. Taking initiative and striving to do my best in any situation has always been my academic and career focus.

I have demonstrated for my employers and instructors an exceptional facility for meeting organizational goals and demands. In addition to my skills, I am certain I will be a valuable asset to any company. I look forward to meeting you in person, Hiring Manager Name. You may contact me anytime.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Name

email

phone number

Open Your Cover Letter with a Catch Phrase

Writing a cover letter is just like writing a short story with the difference being, it’s all about you. The point of addressing a potential employer is to get their attention right away. The hiring manager reads many cover letters when looking to fill a position and a lot of those letters are boring. In today’s competitive market it’s absolutely necessary to stand out because if you don’t, that letter will end up in the no pile.

Along with a list of relevant skills, the most effective way in initiating an interview is creating a memorable catch phrase in your opening statement.  The first sentence of your cover letter should immediately grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more.

Dependent upon your personality and area of expertise, catch phrases could be funny, witty, or entertaining. Just keep it professional and be cautious that you do not offend the reader or the company.

Always have someone else read your cover letter and use constructive criticism to make it better. Remember, you’re selling yourself and the main goal is to get that person reading your cover letter and to read it in its entirety.

Here are examples of catch phrases that professionals used in their cover letters to get an interview:

– Dynamic Literary Contractor anticipating to create exceptional content for your readers.

– Ambitious college graduate ready to become [Company’s] next [Position].

– Having proven capacity, I’m not only qualified for the [Position] I enjoy it!

The important thing to remember is that the cover letter is your golden ticket to acquire that interview. It’s your opportunity to convince the hiring manager that you’re the ideal candidate they can’t pass up.

Cover Letter Sample for Assistant

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KhmerScript (Photo credit: Ghostsigns)

In regard to the Assistant to Director position you have posted with the Idaho Department of Labor, I am very interested in the opportunity.

With a degree in Business I am not interested in obtaining another job.  I am in search of a career and I’m asking for an opportunity to show you that I am the successful candidate you are pursuing.

I have years of experience setting myself up for success:

  • Currently I’m employed with a major utility interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and services by means of communication.
  • I present in team meetings.
  • Respected leadership skills with experience coaching new hires now in training.
  • Manage my personal website and social networks.
  • Graduated college Cum Laude.
  • I’ve served as a confident Reservation Sales Agent with a commercial airline winning the 2001 Professionalism Award.

With a can-do attitude I’ve maintained proficient office support skills, I have considerable communication skills (both written and spoken), as well as the ability to rank tasks. I am a fast learner and hold an intense work ethic. Taking initiative and striving to do my best in any situation has always been my academic and career focus.

Attached is my résumé for additional information. Currently I am exploring new opportunities and would welcome the chance to speak with you.

Thank you for your time,

Michelle Ochsner