Choosing a Position and Company

Create a Google Doc that contains the information regarding the position and company you will be using to apply for a job. This document should contain the following:

• name of company
• contact information including mailing address
• position you are applying for
• description of position you are applying for or skills and traits needed

Creating a Cover Letter

A cover letter allows you to personalize your application and showcase your qualifications in a way that a resume cannot. When you apply for an open position at an organization, employers typically require you to submit a resume, while other application documents, like a cover letter, may be optional. While employers may not require a cover letter, there are various benefits to submitting one with your application.  Candidates may choose to describe their role-related skills, outline how the position aligns with their career goals and review their industry experience more in-depth than on their resume. A well-written cover letter can help individuals make a positive first impression on a hiring manager and get an interview. 

The formatting and sample cover letter is available at https://career.oregonstate.edu/resumes-cvs-cover-letters/cover-letters/sample-cover-letters. Additional information is available at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/cover-letter-importance.

Search for a job opening in the career area of your choice.

Open your resume. “Create a copy” and name the copy Cover Letter. Delete all the information excpet the header area. Create a cover letter that you could send upon completing on your training for that type of job opening. Print the letter and put in your notebook.

Use the format below:

First Name Last Name
Email Address | Phone Number | Physical Address or LinkedIn URL
Date

First and Last Name of Owner or who you are sending letter to
Their Position/Title
Organization
Street Address
City, State Zip

Dear [whoever you are sending letter to]:

Opening paragraph. State your reason for the letter: the position you are applying for, how you heard about it and your interest. Do your research on the company so you have a clear sense of how your skills align and why you want to work there.

Second/third paragraph. List examples and illustrate how and why you are a qualified candidate. Describe relevant work, volunteer, educational or personal experiences not listed in your résumé or expand on what was listed. Focus on results and achievements that tell the story of who you are and what you offer as a candidate.

Closing paragraph. Share your desire to meet with them/follow up in person, preferably for an interview. Thank them and tell them you can be reached at any of your provided contact information.

Sincerely, Best regards, etc.
Your signature
Your full name

Additional Examples and Resources

Visit https://nwtech.edu/alvacc/cover-letter-examples/ for more examples and additional links for different industries.