How to Write a Cover Letter for your Resume

Writing an excellent cover letter is vital to landing the job you want. A cover letter is the first impression a potential employer has of you!

With these easy, step-by-step instructions, learn how to write a cover letter that will get you the job!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• paper
• computer
• printer
• the contact information of your potential employer (name, title, company name, address)

1. Sentences should be about twenty words, and paragraphs should be no more than seven lines.

2. Centered or on the far left of your letter, include your name, mailing address, phone number(s) and email.
   Your email address should be professional, such as [e-mail] not [e-mail].

3. Skip 3 lines.

4. Include the date on which you will send your resume to your contact. "January 1, 2010."

5. Skip 3 lines.

6. Include on the far left, your contact's name, contact's title, the company name and company address (all on separate lines).

7. Skip 3 lines.

8. The salutation of your cover letter should ideally contain the name of your contact, rather than "To Whom It May Concern."
   Always use a prefix in front of your contact's name. For example, if your contact's name is Jane Doe, you should write, "Dear Ms. Doe."

9. Skip 1 line.

10. The first line or lines of your letter should contain some indication of how you found out about the position for which you are applying.
    You might say, "I recently discovered the opening for cashier at McDonald's through www.monsters.com."
    Or you might say, "Recently I was informed by my friend John Smith, who works as a clerk at Jackson, Taylor & Associates, about an opening there for a receptionist."

11. The following sentences should indicate that you are interested in working for their organization and why they should hire you (and not the other guy!).
    "I am interested in working as copy editor for Simon and Schuster. I would be a valuable asset to your staff. As you will see from my resume, I possess a great deal of experience in editing, proofreading and formatting."
    Be sure to list by name the position for which you are applying.

12. The final lines/paragraph should nicely wrap-up your letter.
    "Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you."

13. Skip 2 lines.

14. Include "Sincerely," skip 4 lines, and type your name.

15. Since you will be including your resume, type "Enclosure." (with the period) at the bottom of your letter.

16. Single space your letter. Skip a line in between paragraphs, if applicable.

17. Proof read. Proof read again.

18. Print your letter and, if desired, an envelope.

19. Sign your name below the "Sincerely" with a fine black ink pen.

20. Mail or hand-deliver your resume and await your new job!

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your letters short and to-the-point. Fewer sentences and more paragraphs are best.
• Avoid clichés.
• It is always a good idea to send a follow-up letter or email, or to call, to make sure your contact has received your resume. This should be done about a week after your resume is supposed to be received by your contact. Always take into consideration weekends and holidays.