Cover Letter Definition
A cover letter, also referred to as a letter of application, is a document sent to prospective employers along with your resume. While a resume summarizes your overall qualifications, a cover letter allows you to present yourself professionally and directly apply your qualifications to an open position. A cover letter introduces your resume and illustrates the enthusiasm you feel for a specific job opening.
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Length and Style
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Cover letters should be no more than three to four short paragraphs written in block style. It is important to keep in mind that you generally have 60 seconds or less to grab an employer's attention and make a case for why they should hire you. A cover letter should include your name and address in the top left corner, then the date and then the employer's name and address with a few spaces between each.
Greeting the Employer
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Cover letters serve as a means to directly address the person in charge of hiring for the position. Locate the person's name use "Mr." or "Ms."---not by first name only. You should think of your greeting as your initial "handshake" with the employer. Remain as formal as possible. Cover letters should never be addressed "Dear Sir, or Madam," or "To Whom it May Concern." If the name of the hiring manager is not included in an ad you are responding to, contact the company and ask for the person's name.
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Reason for Writing
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Cover letters address the reason you are contacting the employer. The first sentence should state the position you are applying for and where you learned about the position. If the cover letter is being sent in response to a referral from someone you know at the company, this should be stated as well.
Illustration of Qualifications
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A resume lists your experience and qualifications, and a cover letter provides the opportunity to illustrate instances in which you have used that experience. Provide a short example or two in the second and third paragraphs of how you have used the skills the employer is looking for. Using a bullet-point format to relate your experience to what the company requires can more directly illustrate why you are the best candidate for the job.
Request for Action
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Cover letters are used to request action. The final paragraph should be used to ask for an interview, suggest a time that the employer can contact you and state when you will follow up with him. Instead of typing, "I hope to hear from you," type, "I will call your office on X date to discuss my interest further and see when we can arrange an interview."
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References
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