2016-2017 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Career Planner

Career Planner

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

COVER LETTERS The importance of a strong, well-written cover letter cannot be overstated. A cover letter is used to introduce yourself to a potential employer and provide insight into your resume. It should highlight key skills and abilities relevant to the qualifications in which the employer is interested. A cover letter should be concise and present a clear idea of what you can offer the employer. It demonstrates your ability to communicate in writing and organize your thoughts in a cohesive manner, both of which are pertinent to most positions.

Cover Letter Structure One page (two pages are acceptable for academic positions) 3-5 paragraphs; No more than five sentences per paragraph Use key words, action words, and adjectives describing your skills Be sure each cover letter is specifically tailored to the position you are applying for Mention contacts and referrals (if applicable) Always address to an individual; do not use “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Human Resources”

Getting Started • Your return address at the top of the page • The date will appear two lines below the return address (make sure to write out the date; don’t abbreviate) • Include company contact information (contact name and title, address, and phone number) two lines beneath the date • The salutation will fall two lines below the addressee information • Begin with “Dear Mr. ” or “Dear Ms.”, followed by the person’s last name

Introduction Paragraph The introduction paragraph should:

• State your specific interest (include the job title you are seeking) • Use strong statements that will motivate the employer to read further • Use a reference to previous

discussions or contact - give specific dates to help the reader remember • Establish common goals and relationships

1876 W. Terrace St., Apt #3 Baltimore, MD 21218

January 3, 2017

• Be concise (2-4 sentences) • Catch the reader’s attention Body of the Letter The body of the letter should: • Be one to three paragraphs • Be no longer than two to five

Shelia Westwood Human Resource Manager CARE International 343 Mifflin Ave Atlanta, GA 94876

Dear Ms. Westwood,

I was excited to see that CARE International is seeking candidates for the Mental Health Specialist position. Dr. Barbara Watts, Senior Health Specialist at CARE made me aware of the position, and recommended that I submit my application. I am confident that my previous experience as well as my skills in behavior change communication and program development would prove useful in the position. In May 2017, I will complete my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with an emphasis on drug and alcohol dependence. While studying for my degree, I completed a six month internship at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). During this internship, I assisted in developing a specialized rehabilitation program that was successful in decreasing the number of reported alcohol and drug users in Baltimore City. In addition, I have worked in West Africa with the Peace Corps developing health promotion programs and facilitating mental health workshops in poverty stricken areas. I believe that my skills and work experience in mental health would be a good match for the Mental Health Specialist position at CARE International. I have enclosed my resume and look forward to discussing my qualifications with you in the near future. I will plan to follow up two weeks after the position closing date. In the meantime, I can be reached at (410) 955-5555 or via email at jhopkins@jhu.edu. Thank you for your time and consideration.

sentences per paragraph • Make use of keywords • Be written using short but complete sentences • Show how your background matches the employer’s criteria; emphasize your functional skills • Use a specific example of your skills (if applicable)

Closing Paragraph The closing paragraph should: • State that your resume is included for review •

Sincerely,

John Hopkins

John Hopkins

Name the action to be taken – (offer specific date of action)

Enc: Resume

•

Thank the recipient

http://www.jhsph.edu/careers

JHSPH.Careers@jhu.edu

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