An effective cover letter adapted to your circumstances gives you the best weapon in a job search campaign. Major employers choose their workers more for their cover letters than for their resumes. A carefully written cover letter that catches the eye and interviews perfectly will serve you well as it will accompany your resume and resumes can be boring and easily thrown away.
A good practice for writing a cover letter is to take your time to think about what you need to write. The best cover letters are written at this planning stage. First ask yourself what the potential employer would need from you and what they are willing to offer you.
List, on paper, your skills and your assets for the specific job you are applying for. You may not include all of them in your letter, but having them in writing in front of you will help you choose your words carefully.
A cover letter that could apply to most situations might consist of:
* An introductory paragraph introducing yourself and stating the position you are seeking, also who you heard from or where you read about the specific job opening or who referred you if you were referred for the job.
* A short paragraph about your background, educational credentials, and work experience (don’t skip this paragraph thinking you’re already attaching your resume. Remember you’re highlighting yourself).
*Another paragraph outlining your accomplishments that might relate to the job you are seeking and your personal attributes that you believe are important to the job
* Your request for employer action on your application (Here, you can add a request for a future job with the company, if this particular job is already filled.)
* Closing paragraph with thanks for the employer’s time and consideration of your job application
Most standard cover letters are much shorter than well-written cover letters. The difference between the two types is that the well-written ones can get you the interview.
In a well-written cover letter, grammar, spelling, and punctuation are correct, sentences short, expression simple, jargon-free, and to the point.
Never forget to review your cover letters, even if you consider yourself a master of the language. Anyone can make a careless mistake at any time, like not adding a contact email or phone number or forgetting to sign the letter.
Another effective attribute of a successful cover letter is your physical appearance. Writing your cover letter with professional-looking letterhead on quality paper helps make a good first impression. Be sure to include the date and inside address, as well as the salutation, supplemental closing, and your signature. Also, don’t forget the word “attachment” as your resume will be attached to your letter.
A meticulously written cover letter can be critical to the success of a job search. May your search bring you the best job you deserve.
