Basta Cover Letter prep session

Session Overview

  • Duration: One hour

  • Purpose: Engage participants in a session about cover letters, focusing on how to build and enhance skills for effective job applications.

Participant Engagement

  • Encouragement for participants to introduce themselves via chat, including their:

    • Name

    • Location

    • Year of study or if recent graduates

  • Emphasis on building relationships and practice through engagement in the session.

  • Participants encouraged to use chat and microphone for questions and discussion.

Session Objectives

  • Understand best practices for the introduction, body, and conclusion of cover letters.

  • Learn how to connect STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with the cover letter framework.

  • Adapt STAR stories for use in cover letters.

Importance of Cover Letters

  • Key reasons for including a cover letter in applications:

    • 50% of employer partners require a cover letter based on a recent survey.

    • Provides insight into enthusiasm and interest in the position.

    • Differentiates candidates by showcasing skills and experiences beyond the resume.

Participants' Perceptions of Cover Letters

  • Participants displayed mixed feelings about cover letters:

    • Scale of 1-5, with many rating their enjoyment low (1-2); few rated high (5).

    • Expressed a desire for templates and guidance.

Key Takeaways for Writing Cover Letters

  • Cover letters should express:

    • Genuine interest in the role and company.

    • Relevant background and experiences even if they are not traditional work experiences.

    • Personal strengths and skills that align with the job description.

  • Engagement with employers is essential; personalization in cover letters is encouraged.

Best Practices for Cover Letters

  • Greeting:

    • Use "Dear [Hiring Manager]" if name unknown, avoiding cold phrases like "To Whom It May Concern."

    • Personalize when possible.

  • Introduction:

    • Articulate interest in the position and company, stating why you are a strong candidate.

  • Body Paragraphs:

    • Use STAR stories to illustrate experiences and skills.

    • Describe situations, tasks, actions taken, and results achieved.

  • Conclusion:

    • Recap interest and qualifications; invite further conversation or action from the employer.

STAR Method Breakdown

  • Situation: Context of the example to set the stage.

  • Task: Responsibility or challenge that needed to be addressed.

  • Action: Steps taken to address the situation.

  • Result: Outcomes and impacts from the actions taken.

Customization of Cover Letters

  • Importance of tailoring cover letters for each position applied for.

  • Use templates but modify key sections based on job requirements and personal strengths.

Discussion on Research and Company Connection

  • Participants encouraged to perform research about companies, their mission, and values, and use this in cover letters to demonstrate interest.

  • Various sources for research include the company’s website, press releases, and LinkedIn connections.

Conclusion of the Session

  • Participants urged to be authentic and express personal interests and strengths effectively.

  • A template for cover letters was offered to help structure their writing.

  • Importance of peer feedback on cover letters to enhance effectiveness and save time was discussed.

  • Contacts were shared for further assistance (e.g., email for feedback requests).

Questions and Answers

  • Open floor for questions relating to cover letters and applications. Miscellaneous questions from participants focused on how to frame personal narratives, the appropriateness of soft skills in cover letters, and time investment in crafting cover letters.