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Preparing to Launch: Cover Letters & Personal Storytelling

11/2/21

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Agenda

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Cover Letter Presentation

Q&A

Break Out Rooms (with volunteers from Wheelhouse DMG)

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Why would one need to submit a cover letter?

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Basic Structure

  1. 11-12 point font
  2. Usually 3-4 paragraphs
  3. Formal writing (spell out contractions & abbreviations)
  4. .5 -1” margins all around
  5. Same header and font as resume
  6. Avoid photos, jargon, and acronyms

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Cover Letter Serves Multiple Purposes:

01

Writing Sample

02

Additional Context

03

Relating skills to role

Writing skills & ability to prioritize information

The “so what?” of what is on your resume

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Highlighting that you can do the job well

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A cover letter should answer 2 questions:

Why are you interested?

Why are you a good fit?

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  • Why are you choosing to apply to this company or role compared to the others?

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  • What skills and experience do you bring to the table?
  • What knowledge will be valuable for them to have in their organization?

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Option 1 – ¶ 1 intro, ¶ 2 why this opportunity, ¶ 3 why good fit (longest), ¶ 4 wrap up

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Options for organizing

Option 2 – ¶ 1 intro and interest, ¶¶ 2/3/4 skills and background match, ¶ 5 wrap up

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Opening Paragraph

  1. Hook the reader
  2. Introduce yourself
  3. Include what job/internship title you are applying to
  4. Share how you became aware of the role or if you were encouraged to apply (if you were referred by an individual or have a personal/organizational connection, mention that here)

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Middle 2 Paragraphs

  • Market yourself!
  • Provide evidence of your related experience & accomplishments.
  • Highlight how your specific achievements & skills will make you an asset to the organization.
  • Study the description and have your cover letter be a direct response to that description.

Example: “Essential Responsibilities:

  • Cargo Handling Equipment Emissions Inventory: Support the development of an emissions inventory of all cargo handling equipment at Carrix facilities globally, including data collection.”

“In my experience as a research assistant at NovoNordisk, I managed inventory for lab equipment, chemicals, and samples, and this process allowed for a greater quantity of specimens to be analyzed each week.”

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Wrapping it up

  • Thank them for their time.
  • Reiterate your interest in the role and company/organization.
  • Make the ask.

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For example: “I welcome the opportunity to discuss X role and provide further information about my interest and qualifications. I am available by phone or email at any time. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

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Thank you!

Questions?

CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik.

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Sources

University of Washington School of Law

Foss, J. (2019). Writing a Cover Letter [Video]. LinkedIn Learning. https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/share?account=67682169&forceAccount=false&redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Flearning%2Fwriting-a-cover-letter%3Ftrk%3Dshare_ent_url%26shareId%3DID1lB6avSv2MAp9lvLWiCA%253D%253D

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Break out groups with Wheelhouse DMG

Hallie O’Reilly

Joe Volk

Office Manager

Manager, Digital Services Team