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What is a cover letter? Also known as a letter of introduction, letter of application,
transmittal letter, or broadcast letter, your cover letter - unlike your resume - tells the employer the type of
position you're seeking and highlights the aspects of your experience that qualify you for that position.
Your cover letter can explain things that your resume can't. If you have large gaps in your employment history or
you are reentering the job market or changing the focus of your career, a cover letter can explain these
circumstances in a positive way. Finally, it is extremely important to keep your cover letter brief. The cover
letter should never, never exceed one page, and it's best to keep it well under a full page. In general, each
paragraph should have no more than one to three sentences. Of course, it almost goes without saying that your cover
letter absolutely cannot contain typographical or grammatical errors. Almost.
First Paragraph
It is essential that your first paragraph captures the employer's attention, provides detailed
information about the benefits the employer will receive from you, and, of course, helps you stand out from the
competition. It is a good idea to include one or two key selling points or benefits you can offer the employer that other
job-seekers cannot. It is also important to indicate that you are interested in a position at the recipient's organization.
In essence, the first paragraph of your cover letter can serve the same function as the "job objective" section many people
include in their resume, and expand upon it.
Second Paragraph
The second paragraph of your cover letter should go into some detail about your work
experience that is relevant to the position you are seeking. Be certain to stress accomplishments and achievements
rather than job duties and responsibilities. Expand on specific items from your resume that are relevant to the job you
are seeking.
Third Paragraph
Relate yourself to the company, giving details why you should be considered for a position.
By this point, a hiring manager reading the cover letter will be thinking: "What can this person do for me?"
Answer by outlining a relevant career goal. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, do not say
that you are training to be an airline pilot. Good third paragraphs are like stories that unfold for the reader
and will paint you as someone who belongs with the reader's organization.
Final Paragraph
The final paragraph of your cover letter should be proactive - request action!
Ask for the job interview (or a meeting) in this paragraph. Express your confidence that you are a perfect fit
for the job. Put the employer on notice that you plan to follow-up within a specified time.
You have already made your case in the second and third paragraphs; if you have done a good job,
the employer will feel the need to contact you.
Not everyone is capable of writing a great cover letter. It can be hard to brag about yourself.
It can be even harder to find the right words to add value to your resume. If you have been procrastinating or sweat
profusely whenever you sit in front of a computer screen to draft your cover letter, it's probably time to seek
professional writing assistance.
More Cover Letter Resources
Basics
About Cover Letters
An introductory look at cover letters.
Common
Mistakes People Make on Cover Letters
A cover letter is an essential tool
used to generate interest in you and your resume. Be certain
to avoid these common mistakes when composing yours.
Cover
Letter Do's and Don'ts
A relatively comprehensive list of
what to do and, perhaps more importantly, what not to do when
composing your cover letter, by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D. and
Katharine Hansen.
Cover
Letter Recommendations
A cover letter - done properly - is
a selling tool, an opportunity to "stand out among other
applicants" and convince potential employers to hire
you. Done improperly, it can be a disaster. Which do you want?
Cover
Letter Resource Guide
A comprehensive guide to writing cover
letters, discussing who needs a cover letter, what makes a
good cover letter, a sample cover letter and including links
to other resources on the web.
Dynamic
Cover Letters That Generate Higher Salaries and More Interviews
It is extremely important to create
a cover letter that will "sell" your skills and
abilities to potential employers. ProvenResumes.com shows
you how.
General
Outline for Cover Letters
The cover letter should serve as an
introduction to your resume. Follow this outline to write
a great one.
Guidelines
and Suggestions to Improve Your Cover Letter
The author provides several general
guidelines to follow when composing your cover letter.
How
to Write a GREAT Letter
A collection of links to articles
describing effective letter-writing strategies, including
tips on how to organize your thoughts and ideas, common letter
writing mistakes and how to follow up.
How-To
- Guide to Cover Letters
A how-to guide to writing effective
cover letters, including: content, formatting and writing
tips, from careerbuilder.com.
Selling
Your Skills on Paper
A strong cover letter can establish
a personal connection with potential employers before you
even meet. Renee Gotcher provides several tips for writing
a great letter and examples of what it should look like.
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