A Cover Letter Should Follow the Pyramid in Figure 1

Cover letters

Introduction

A cover letter is used to further focus your application to what an employer is looking for. The decision to interview may well depend on your cover letter. It is extremely important that you have your cover letter perfect in terms of how it responds to an employer’s needs, organization and format.

Content

A cover letter should follow the pyramid in Figure 1.

Summary

List the name of the position for which you’re applying, how you found out about it, and a “hook.” A hook is the reason why the reader should keep on reading, and is likely because of your program of study here at the college.

Sales 1
Clearly match their needs to your skills. If you don’t have a specified need, “pretend” it’s not there. In an unsolicited application, you must determine the employer’s needs. Use the cover letter worksheet to complete this section.

Sales 2

List the soft skills you have that would set you apart from others.

Conclusion

You must “ask for the order” (interview). Instead of just asking for one, suggest you want to learn more about the company, offer to show them your portfolio or give them your references, in an interview.

Format

A cover letter can be either full block or semi block, but a semi-block is more formal and balanced.

Cover letter worksheet

Process

Fill in the table below as follows:

1. List everything the job ad requires on the left.
2. List how you meet the requirements on the right. Include when and where you met this requirement.

Core skills

Core skills are the skills the employer needs you to have. These types of skills usually come from education and experience. Examples of core skills include

• to write reports
• to inspect a boiler
• to design using AutoCad
• to calibrate pumps and compressors

Soft skills

Soft skills are the skills the employer hopes you have or can get. They are harder to define or measure. These types of skills may come from education and experience, but it is more likely they come from your personality, or your traits. An example of some of these “skills” may include

• excellent oral and written communication skills
• ability to work with others
• good team player, motivator
• driver’s license
• ability to travel/work overtime/relocate
• self-starter

Don’t treat these skills carelessly. A lot of research is being done in the field of emotional intelligence, or EQ. Research has found that the ability to control your emotions and work well with others is a definite sign that you are employable and “promotable.”