"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"
John Lennon.
Cover Letter Overview
Your cover letter serves two major purposes. It should convince potential employers that "you" are a perfect fit for the position. It should explain how the potential position specifically meets your current career objective.
Sell your services accordingly. Make sure you emphasize the ways you can make a contribution to the selected employer's mission or bottom line. You may also emphasize how you might contribute to a problem the employer is facing.
An effective cover letter should also reveal:
Your ability to write and communicate;
Your relevant experience and qualifications;
Your degree of professionalism; and
Your attention to detail and organization
Cover Letter Content
Adhering to accepted standards for business letters is the only absolute in writing cover letters. An effective cover letter should include:
Heading and Greeting - State the date and your name/contact information at the top of the page. Address the letter to a specific name and (or) title whenever possible.
Opening and Introduction - Explain who you are and state your reason for writing.
Body - Here you will sell yourself and charm them. Reveal why you are a perfect and unique match for the position. Explain why you have chosen this employer.
Assertive Closing - Courteously take initiative toward further action and next contact. You may wish to suggest a time and method (phone call, meeting) for follow up.
Don't bore your target audience with the generic form letter they have read a hundred times before. Don't simply restate your resume either. Check out our list of tips for creating a quality cover letter.
Cover Letter Tips
Keeping these tips in mind, it is up to you to compose a fresh and informative cover letter that deserves an interested employer's response. Actively engage your reader with a letter that clearly expresses your intentions and motivations.
Remember to:
- Tailor your letter to the target audience and industry.
- Be positive about your current employment situation and potential professional future.
- Indicate how you found out about the position.
- Emphasize what you can offer employers, rather than what they can offer you.
- Express focused and organized career goals.
- Communicate in short sentences. Don't ramble.
- Refrain from using empty or unproven claims on your abilities.
- Keep the letter to one page unless otherwise instructed.
- Proofread your letter thoroughly. Ask a friend's opinion.
- Thank the reader for his or her time.
- Use the same high-quality paper stock for both your cover letter and resume.
- Be sure to sign your cover letter.
Follow Up
Smart job seekers enhance their chances with effective follow up to their resumes. In today's market, job seekers cannot afford to wait for interviews to find them. Enticing cover letters and quality resumes are crucial, but a proper follow up may be the key to job seeking victory.
Prior to engaging your potential employer, do your company homework. Knowledge about the company as well as understanding the company's place in the industry will help you shine during the follow up process.
A follow up phone call or letter should reiterate your interest in the position and showcase your knowledge. Unless specified otherwise in the job listing, a follow up phone call may be your best bet.
Here are some phone tips:
Introduce yourself and ask the employer for a few free minutes.
Check on your resume as a point of further conversation.
Be engaging and specific in your discussion.
Ask the employer for any questions they may have. Be prepared to answer.
Be polite and professional.
A letter is another way to keep an employer's attention during the hiring process. An effective letter should convey that you:
Remain interested in the company's opportunities;
Have specific knowledge that would benefit the company; and
Are looking forward to further dialogue.
COVER LETTER TIPS FROM OUR USER COMMUNITY
Quality Paper, Quality Grammar, Quality Spelling
Make sure your cover letter reads correctly. Check your use of past, present and future tense. Check for spelling. DO NOT USE SLANG. Use high quality paper and envelopes for your resume and cover letter. Most office supply stores sell matching paper and envelopes for this purpose
Be Succinct
In creating your cover letter make sure you introduce yourself and state the occupation for which you are applying.
