Coursera Week 3

• Unit 3 – Cover Letter

This unit focuses on another important document for job-seekers: the cover letter. You will learn how to write a clear cover letter that tells employers why you are the right person for the job. Some of the material we discussed is as follows :

1.) What Is Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a one page formal letter and there are some parts that looked the same in each cover letter. The content or information in the cover letter should be a little different from each job you are applying for. The cover letter helps an employer to understand more about the applicant and helps to direct attention to certain parts of the resume.

There are several reasons for finding a job :

1. The first reason for writing a cover letter is that it shows the applicants personal style or personality. Job seekers choose very specific words to introduce themselves to an employer. This is how they show their personal style. Example : Tom and Beth are both applying for the same job as an international student advisor. In his cover letter, Tom writes, I am interested in working with international students. Beth writes, I am very excited to meet and work with international students. The word choices in these examples show us their personal styles. We see that Tom is interested in working with international student, but Beth is very excited to meet and work with international students. Beth's personality is much clearer with her word choices, excited to meet and work with.
2. The second reason for writing a cover letter is to explain the applicant's qualifications for the job. Using our same candidates Tom and Beth, let's see how they would write a short description of their qualifications. Example : Tom writes, I have two years of experience working as an activities director of a language school. Beth says, as a Resident Advisor, I advise students on counseling on personal, cultural and immigration issues, as well as organize professional, social and cultural programs. From the short descriptions in their cover letters most employers would want to read Beth's resume to find out more about her experience.
3. The third reason, for writing a cover later is to formerly ask for an interview.

2.) Professional Writing: Letter Format

The parts of a professional letter and format of a letter or how it should look. In the United States, professional writing follows a standard format or order and includes four parts. The first part is the heading which includes the writer's address and contact information, the date and the reader's name and address The second part is the salutation. The third part is the three body paragraphs, opening paragraph, middle paragraph and closing paragraph. And the fourth is the closing which includes a complimentary close, a signature and a typed name.

3.) Cover Letter Paragraph 1- Introducing Yourself

The first paragraph of a cover letter must include a statement of application applying for job, the specific title of the job opening, and your source of information. This is the part of the letter in which applicants show their interest in the position. Remember that the opening paragraph also needs to get the employer's attention. Some job seekers choose to briefly write about their education, skills, or experience at the end as a connection to the next paragraph.

4.) Cover Letter Paragraph 2- Highlighting Your Skills in the Cover letter

In paragraph two in the body of the cover letter, you will summarize two or three examples from your education, experience, and interests to show a future employer how you are qualified for the job. This paragraph is your chance to really stand out from all of the other applicants. Remember that employers are looking for people who can help their business or organization be successful. Focus on how your skills and qualifications will help them.  When you are applying for a specific position, it is a good idea to use the job description or advertisement as a guide. The job description is very useful because it has key words about the skills and experience needed to do the job.

5.) Cover Letter Paragraph 3- Closing

In this paragraph, job seekers make a request to interview for the job, tell how they will follow up with the application and leave the reader with a positive impression. The goal of this paragraph is to summarize your interest in the job, and show the employer that you are ready for the next step, a job interview. Although job seekers do not make the decision about the interview or schedule, they should plan to call or email the employer soon after sending the application. This shows that the applicant is serious about the job and may lead to an interview.

• Learning Experience in Third Week

In this part I understand how to make a cover letter properly and correctly. In detail the layout for making cover letters. Very helpful in finding work.

• Progress and Score

      2.