Workshop Spotlight on ‘Cover Letter Writing’
We recently asked Beth, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, for some insider information on their free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop:
What is Cover Letter Writing?
Cover Letter Writing is a free, one-hour workshop open to the public. This workshop provides job seekers with the skills to craft a strong cover letter that presents them as a strong candidate for the job.
Why is this such an important workshop for job seekers?
It is crucial in today’s job market to understand how employers use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen cover letters and resumes for certain key words and skills related to the job. Job seekers need to know how to tailor their cover letter for ATS screening to get their application materials in front of an actual human. Participants will leave with a good understanding of:
- what an ATS is and how they work. INSIDER TIP: the website jobscan.co gives an inside look at how ATS scans your application materials for key words.
- the importance of using specific skills and keywords to tailor your cover letter for each job you apply for.
- the basic format and content of a cover letter.
- how to create an opening statement that hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. INSIDER TIP: If the first few sentences sound generic, it won’t set you apart from other candidates. Start with whatever you feel is the most impressive aspect of our experience (relevant skills or abilities, year of experience, etc.).
What is something job seekers tell you they were surprised to learn in the workshop?
Cover letters should not be intimidating or seem daunting! Once you have your first cover letter written, it is a lot easier to change or update key words/skills as you go. Remember that the skills you have in your 20s may not be the same skills you want to highlight in your 30s, 40s, and so on. Your cover letter will always be a working document.
Visit jobs.westmiworks.org/calendar/ to find and register for Cover Letter Writing or another workshop near you!
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.
