2017 HBCU Careers Magazine

59 / 100

HBCU Careers Magazine
59
• Listing a company’s name or contact information incorrectly or sending one company’s name to a
different company altogether are costly mistakes to avoid.
• Verbatim cover letter template phrasing
Readers can tell when phrases are lifted from online or Microsoft Word templates. There are all kinds of
negative associations that a reader can make about you as a person from this. Start from somewhere,
but use your own words as much as possible.
Put The Ultimate Cover Letter Tool Kit into Practice
So how does one use her own words to put a cover letter with the right information? It certainly varies
depending on the job, the expressed needs in the job description, your experience and the particulars
of your “great greatness.” In any case, an example of a real job description excerpt and a subsequent
cover letter that was developed, actually submitted, and for which an interview was extended follows.
The elements that were most germane to the job for the applicant as well as most aligned to the
applicant’s experience are in bold. Note the detailed and direct ways that those needs are addressed by
the applicant, as well as how the words in the job description are matched in the letter. The letter and
job description are stripped of references to a particular organization or role and edited to be used as a
template that can be adapted, not copied (see previous “Things that are automatic red flags”)!
Finally, whether a cover letter is optional or required, take the opportunity to become a person and
not just a piece of paper to the reader. Let your “great greatness” and personality come through. Have
some tasteful, conservative color elements to distinguish your cover letter from other submissions.
You now have the tools to put together the ultimate cover letter. Happy writing!
ADDENDUM
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in organizational development through the completion of
special projects and assignments including: compiling research on topics within the mission of the
organization; writing grants, annual reports and newsletters; developing educational materials;
planning events and various fundraising activities; performing assignments related to marketing,
website and social media management; providing financial administration services; preparing minutes
for board and committee meetings.
Must possess strong oral and written communication skills. A working knowledge of Microsoft Word,
Publisher and Excel are required. A working knowledge of social media applications as well as email
marketing applications is beneficial.
COVER LETTER TEMPLATE
Link to PDF document:
view?usp=sharing
Additional Resources
•
•
smile-then-call-you/#20ca2e0058f5