How to Include a Cover Letter When Applying for Jobs Online

If you have found the perfect job to apply for online, you must create the best impression from the very beginning. One way to do this is by including a professional cover letter when sending your resume. Here is how to create a cover letter to go along with your online resume.

Instructions

1. Read the job posting carefully. Often it will include information about the format that resumes and cover letters should be submitted in or whether they should be sent at all.

2. Write your cover letter in the body of the email you are sending your resume with. Alternatively, you can write your cover letter in a word processor and save the document as a .txt file.

3. Begin the cover letter by addressing the job poster or company, if given in the job description.

4. Type your name, address and other contact information at the top of the page in an attached document. If sending in the body of an email, include this information after your name at the close of the letter.

5. Begin the letter by detailing the position you are applying for and where you learned about the job. Mention whether it was a job listings website or a friend who works for the company.

6. Briefly explain your education, work experience and any skills that are relevant to the job for which you are applying. Also include why you are interested in the job and why you believe it would be a good fit for you.

7. Near the close of the letter, indicate when you would be available to begin work and your general availability. Also mention any attached or included documents, such as your resume or writing samples.

8. Close the letter by thanking them for their time and for considering you for the position. If the job posting included a phone number, it may be wise to write that you will make a follow-up call in the next few weeks.

9. Attach the .txt document to the email you are sending or simply send the email with the cover letter in the body. Make sure to type the job that you are applying for in the subject line so the email is not mistaken for spam.

Tips & Warnings

• When applying for jobs online, there is always a risk that your email might not be received. If a phone number is provided, and there has been no reply after about a week, follow up on your resume with a call.

• Always write in a clear, concise and professional tone when creating a cover letter for jobs found online. Make sure to edit your resume before sending it out, to avoid mistakes which could reflect poorly on you.

• Make sure that your virus protection software is up to date. Sending a virus with your resume by accident will not make a very good impression or get you any jobs.