email cover messages take different forms depending B u s i n e s s F i n a n c e

Concentrate on the ad describing the job you would like most or could do best—and then write a cover message that will get you that job. Your message will first have to survive the filtering that eliminates dozens (sometimes hundreds) of applicants who lack the expected qualifications. Toward the end you will be getting into strong competition in which small details give you the superiority that will get you an interview.

Study your chosen ad for what it says and even more for what it implies. Weigh your own preparation even more thoroughly than you weigh the advertisement. You may imagine far enough ahead to assume completion of all the courses that are planned for your degree. You may build up your case a bit beyond what you have. Sort the qualifications for the job, organize them strategically, and then present them in a cover letter.

1. Once you have chosen a job, highlight the experience, education, and/or qualifications required for the job to help you organize your application documents.
2. Prepare your cover message as the advertisement requires.  If the ad asks for an email – prepare it in memo format since memo’s and emails look similar.  If a letter is requested, please prepare it using one of the letter formats you learned this semester.
3. Use as much of your real information as possible – such as your degree major, relevant experience, etc. – as if you are REALLY applying for the job. (NOTE: If you use your actual work and volunteer experience as you create your cover letter for this assignment, you’ll be able to use them as starting points when applying for jobs in the “real world.”)

 Purpose:To write a skillful persuasive cover message in the job search that begins indirectly; develops convincing reasoning using one or more appeal (emotional, logical, and/or character-based); and, closes with goodwill and action.Before you write anything, you should think through the situation and work out a strategy—that is, how you will explain or justify your decision. Relevant Concepts:Planning Your Communication Strategy Using a Problem-Solving Approach, Audience Analysis Checklist and Persuasive Message Outline fillable forms attached.Preparing a persuasive cover message for the job search advertisementEnsuring your cover message accomplishes the following: gaining attention, setting you apart from any possible competition, identifying the position in which you are interested, specifying how you learned about the position or company, presenting highlights of your skills and accomplishments, reflecting your genuine interest, and is pleasing to the eye and ear (when read aloud).Assignment Background:  Problem-Solving Case/ScenarioGraduation is fast approaching, and you are now ready to sell your working ability in the job market. Besides canvassing likely firms with the help of prospecting messages and diligently following up family contacts, you have decided to look into anything that appears especially good in the ads of newspapers, online sources, and magazines. The Cover MessageThe print cover message is much like the sales message—you illustrate a need and sell a product (you) to fill the need. Gaining attention in the opening is important because the busy executive has other things to do. You need to use what works best in each case.Selecting content should be guided by the job requirements. Of course, if you are strong in an area you know is important to any employer, be sure to emphasize those strengths.Since you are responding to an advertisement, you can address the needs mentioned directly and precisely.Organizing for conviction means choosing an organizational plan that emphasizes your strengths. You may use a reverse chronological, functional or skills, or accomplishments plan. Conviction is also enhanced by careful word choice and reader-viewpoint language.Driving for action in the close entails being clear and direct in letting the reader know what action you expect next. Normally, you request an interview, more information, or even an application.Email cover messages take different forms depending on the document type it introduces. The primary job is to highlight the applicant’s strengths and get the reader to review the resume.

Lucy Applicant123 Main StreetAnytown, CA [removed] 18, 2021Eric LeeMedia DirectorKansaiCollaborative Arts123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321Dear Mr. Lee:I am writing to you to express interest in the graphic design position as advertised on Indeed.com. As a recent graduate with experience in 3-D animation software and the Adobe suite of software, I believe I am a strong candidate for a position at Kansai Collaborative Arts. During my time at the University of Northern State, I was awarded the top prize in the student design competition for my version of an app that would allow students to learn Japanese characters on their own time.In addition to graduating with a 3.75 GPA, I spent a semester at a university in Japan, and I have strong conversational skills in the Japanese language. I believe this would be an asset, as I know your studio does a lot of collaborations with major design studios in Japan. Although I am a recent college graduate, my maturity, artistic skills, ability to work with others, and knowledge of the Japanese language and culture will make me an asset to your studio. I have enclosed my resume and will email you within the next week to see if we can arrange a time to speak further. Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Signature (hard copy letter)Typed NameThis is a sample that can be used as reference.

. Sales representative. Major pharmaceutical company is expanding and looking for a sales representative in your area. Ideal candidate will have a successful record of sales experience, preferably in a business-to- business environment. Candidate must be well versed in science and willing to continually learn about new products. Good knowledge of your area is highly desirable. Send your résumé to [removed]