Schedule
The morning sessions will meet today at “normal” Career Center times. The morning sessions will NOT attend Career Center next Monday, February 10, except for the students who Mrs. Long has designated to take BPA online tests.
The afternoon sessions will NOT meet today except for the student(s) that Mrs. Long has designated to take BPA online tests. Afternoon students will come to Career Center at “normal times” on Monday, February 10.
Students won’t have Career Center on Monday, February 17, due to no class at NWTC that day.
Personal Financial Literacy Makeup Days
If your name is listed below, please ask me or check the list by the Career Center door to see when you need to make up any Personal Financial Literacy lessons. Remember this is required for high school graduation in Oklahoma and there will NOT be a makeup for makeup days.
- Cammi Rogge – February 5 – 12:40 pm
Resumes
If you have not completed your resume and printed it, please work on that today. For more information about resumes, you may visit last week’s announcement or http://nwtech.edu/alvacc/resumes/.
Cover Letters
Cover letters are important because they tell employers the type of position you’re seeking and exactly how you’re qualified for it. Your cover letter can also explain things that your resume can’t.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one-page document that, along with your resume, is sent with your job application. A cover letter is your chance to tell a potential employer why you’re the perfect person for the position and how your skills and expertise can add value to the company. The letter should be professional but personable, and serve as a sort of introduction.
A lot of job seekers today wonder if a cover letter is still appropriate to send with your resume—and the answer is yes! Even if an employer doesn’t ask for a cover letter, it couldn’t hurt to send one. In fact, it can help you get someone’s attention in a different way, and it can be a great way to display your enthusiasm for the job and company.
Basic Elements of a Cover Letter
The following should be included in the cover letter:
- Your name and address preferably in the header area of letterhead that resembles or matches your resume.
- Current date.
- Name and address of the person/company you are sending the letter to.
- Greeting – Address your cover letter to the proper person.
- Opening – Write a personable, inviting opening paragraph that notes which position you are applying for and how you learned of the job opening.
- Achievements and Skills – Highlight your past achievements as they relate to the job you’re applying for. Emphasize additional relevant skills and certifications which show you meet the job requirements.
- Closing: Briefly recap your strengths as a candidate, why you want to work for the organization, a call for action or next steps, and your contact information.
Template for writing your cover letters:
Use the same letterhead format you did for your resume if it is attractive which includes the following in a header section of a Microsoft Word document: Your Name, Street Address, City, State Zip Code, Phone Number, Email address. You will NOT type this information as it appears here with just commas separating each element of the header.
Date
Individual’s Name (at the business you are applying to), Job Title (that individual’s job title within the business)
Name of Organization or Company (company where you are applying)
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. WhoEver Is Listed Above (if no name is provided please ask me for help):
First Paragraph: State the reason for writing. Name the specific position or type of work for which you’re applying. Mention how you learned of the opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you’re interested in working for this employer and specify how you fit this position. Don’t repeat the information on your resume. Include something special or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer. Remember, the reader will consider this an example of your writing skills.
Third Paragraph: Mention that your resume is enclosed and indicate your desire to meet with the employer. You may want to suggest alternate dates and times, or simply advise them of your flexibility to meet. Include day and evening contact information. Include a statement or question that will encourage the reader to respond. Be sure to communicate your plan to follow up. You might state that you’ll be in the area on a certain date and would like to set up a meeting, or you’ll call on a certain date to set up a meeting. Finally, thank the employer for his/her time.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature in blue or black ink)
Your name
Enclosure
Tips and Tricks for Cover Letters
Check out the following resources on how to write a cover letter:
- CareerOneStop.com – Cover Letters
- Glassdoor.com – How to Write a Cover Letter
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Tips
- Balance.com – How to Start a Cover Letter
Cover Letter Examples
Check out the following examples of how to write a cover letter:
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Examples by Industry
- Monster.com – Cover Letter Samples
- TheBalanceCareers.com – Cover Letter Sample for a Resume
- TheBalanceCareers.com – Sample Email Cover Letter Message
Cover Letter Assignment
Search for a job opening that resembles something you may want to pursue once you have completed your career training. Create a PDF file (ask me how) that has the job opening and job description. Drag that PDF file into the file folder I created for you on the Shared Google Drive.
Create a letterhead using Microsoft Word that will be used in writing your cover letters. You may possibly use the same heading as you did for your resume. Ask me for help with this. You will need to provide your contact information within the letterhead.
Create a cover letter for the job opening that you have found for an acceptable career position of your choice.
Be sure to print the letter and put a copy in your folders as well upload your cover letter to the Shared folder on the Google Drive.