This is a brief article taken from an on-line newsletter giving some good tips for writing effective cover letters. Many people focus on the resume and give the cover letter a lot less thought.
Considering the number of people who have been laid off or remain unemployed as a result of the down economy, employers are receiving more cover letters and resumes than ever before. May's release of new college grads into the job market will even further the clutter.
To set your self apart from the job-hunting pack, you'll need to have an effective cover letter. The cover letter is your first opportunity to impress an employer. It is the first thing they read and, if it's not good, it may be the only thing the employer reads at all.
First, take time to look at some cover letter examples. CareerLab has a library of sample cover letters. Similarly, About.com has a cover letter guide that will walk you through the writing process. Each site contains good examples of basic letters, however, you'll really need to personalize yours to catch the employer's eye.
Next, jot down some notes on what you want to include in your letter. Match your skills with the skills the employer is asking for in the job description. Always address your cover letter to a specific person. If there isn't a contact person listed in the ad, look online for the name and job title of the person responsible for hiring but also call the company and verify that person is still in that position.
Writing your cover letter may be easier if you divide it into three sections: The first paragraph states why you are writing. The next explains why you are ideal for the position. And the final paragraph closes by stating how you plan to follow-up.
In the first section, indicate how you learned about the opening and mention the job title. The middle paragraph should relate your skills and abilities to the qualifications listed in the job posting. Address how you meet those qualifications with direct examples from your resume. Be open and clear about what you have to offer the prospective employer.
Throughout the entire letter, use clear and simple sentences so the reader doesn't have to decipher what you're trying to say. Keep paragraphs short so they are easy to skim. Proof read. Then proof read again. Even a small typo can look like a glaring error and may reflect on your ability to perform accurate work. Read your letter out loud. Does it make sense? Ask someone else to review it for you. Sometimes it's hard to catch our own mistakes.
Finally, let the employer know how you plan to follow-up. Be direct and indicate that you will call to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time. If the job ad specifically says not to call, thank the employer for his or her consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them.
Once you have written the letter, then you will need to make it look good. The visual appearance of your cover letter is just as important as that of your resume. Consider using bullets or bold fonts to draw attention to the skills you wish to highlight.
Print your cover letter on standard size laser bond paper that matches your resume paper. Use conservative colors like white or beige. Brightly colored paper will not get you the type of attention you want. Use one-inch margins and balance your paragraphs on the page. Most importantly, don't forget to sign your letter. If you are sending a cover letter via email, cut and paste it into the body of an email message since many people are leery of opening attachments.
A well-written cover letter is worth the time investment. It's the first tool an employer will use to decide whether to interview you or not. So, make your cover letters count!