PREPARING TO CRAFT COVER Letters & INTERVIEW
The template below can be used to prepare to craft your cover letter for each targeted position. Start by searching for several examples of the position(s) you are seeking. Then identify the main responsibilities for that type of position and list them under the responsibilities section. Next identify the most common required or desired education and skills for that type of position, and list them under the education & skills section. Finally, think about your work experience, volunteering, college experiences and coursework that highlight your qualifications. Summarize them next to each of the requirements.
Use this information as the basis to organize and articulate your qualifications in your cover letters. I recommend preparing a generic cover letter for each of the targeted positions and then customize it slightly for the actual position and company that you are applying for. This will reduce the time it takes to apply for a position, as you will not be starting from scratch.
These summaries are also helpful in preparing for an interview, as you can practice describing how your education, experience and skills meet the qualifications the company is seeking for the position. Practice speaking about these qualifications. If you find you fall short or are weak in any area, work to close the gap to make yourself more competitive in the future.