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A carefully crafted cover letter is just as
important as a well-written resume. Your cover letter is your
chance to make a positive first impression on a potential
employer.
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:
1. 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.
2. Opening and
Introduction - Explain who you are and
state your reason for writing.
3. 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.
4. 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.
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