Module 4 Lightning Talk Outline

jill-donohue-mod-4-lightning-talk.md

Lightning Talk Module 4: Not Your Average Cover Letters

Introduction

• Read example of my crazy cover letter with 'f bombs' that got me an interview
• WHY does everyone hate cover letters?
• You get to brag about YOUR achievements
• I worked in HR before this, and we would toss applications without cover letters!

What should you avoid?

• Copy/pasta template cover letters
  • The point is to show off your skills and your knowledge of the company.
  • DO NOT simply change company names
• One paragraph or whole page
• Not matching the job posting tone (Ex. too formal for a small start up)
• Show example

Let's Make Cover Letters GREAT Again

• It should sound like you are telling a story about yourself
  • Show Icebreaker cover letter
• Enhance your resume, don't repeat it
• Simple steps:
  1. Start with a hook/intro (3 sentences)
  2. Talk about a project you loved that is relevant to the company
  3. Talk about why you like the company (bonus points if you used their API, checked out their projects)
  4. Sum it up and don't play hard to get! This is not a tinder date!
• Show one more cover letter example

Closing

• I am no Ian Douglas, but feel free to drop me a line if you would like me to check out your cover letters!
• Remember, be yourself!