How to Write a Cover Letter for Your Resume

Writing a cover letter for your resume isn't easy. In fact, you have to edit your cover letter for each and every job that you apply to. A cover letter for each job application has to be unique and fit the job description, as well as be personalized for the person who will be reading it. This is a challenge, but if you want a job, you need to prove that you can handle it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you will be sending an email cover letter or a paper cover letter. If you are sending a paper cover letter, write your cover letter as a formal letter, including writing your address and the date at the top of the page. This is less important for an emailed cover letter.

2. Write formally but conversationally. Do not be too casual, but do not sound like a machine either. You want the cover letter to sound like you wrote it, but not as if you are holding a casual conversation.

3. Make your cover letter personal. If at all possible, make the heading out to the person who will be receiving and reading your cover letter. Dear Mrs. Jones works great in a situation like this. However, if you genuinely do not have a contact name, To Whom It May Concern is a suitable heading.

4. Keep your cover letter at about three paragraphs, and like a resume, do not let it go beyond one page. If you are sending a cover letter by mail, make sure that it is printed clearly on thick paper stock.

5. Include four key elements in your cover letter: your introduction, why you are qualified for and want the job, information about the open position and the company, and a closing, which thanks the reader for reading your cover letter and resume.

6. Begin the first paragraph of your cover letter with a short introduction about yourself, including your name. If you were referred by a friend within the company that you are applying to work at, mention that. After that, briefly detail why you are applying for the job and why you would be a good fit for the open position.

7. The second paragraph of your cover letter should mention some details about the company that you are applying to work for, as well as why you would be a good fit for the position and company. For example, if the company has a heavy focus on philanthropy, discuss how you admire their commitment to philanthropy in the community, and the company's views are aligned with yours.

8. For your third paragraph of your cover letter, write a conclusion. Write something like, "Thank you for considering me for the XYZ position at ABC Company. I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience."

9. End your cover letter by saying either "Thank you, (Your name here)" or "Sincerely, (Your name here)." If you are mailing your cover letter and resume, sign the cover letter. If you are emailing it, you can not sign it, so your name typed out will be ideal.

10. After you are done writing your cover letter, read through the whole thing. Make sure that you highlighted why you are a good fit for the position and company, named specific accomplishments or experiences and wrote a cohesive letter that sounds complete. Make sure to proofread for any punctuation or spelling errors, because even one mistake can make a recruiter dispose of your cover letter and resume.

11. When proofreading your cover letter, make sure that you sound confident, but not arrogant. Sounding unsure of yourself will make the recruiter think that you will not be confident if you get the position, and sounding arrogant will also seem negative.

12. Make sure to include any specific information that was requested in the job posting. For example, if the job requirements require that you list a requested salary, make sure to include it or you risk not being considered for the position. However, you can be vague, and state that salary in negotiable, as long as you address the question that is being asked of you.

13. Have a friend proofread your cover letter, and ask this friend for cover letter help. An outside observer can offer advice that you may have not taken into consideration. Someone else may read something differently than you did, and their opinion may allow you to make positive changes to your cover letter.

14. Read your cover letter one last time. Ask yourself, "Would I want to hire someone based on this cover letter?" If so, go ahead and send your cover letter. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• If you are applying for a position in a creative industry, show off your creativity through your cover letter. However, if you are applying for a serious position in a very serious industry, be very straightforward and to the point.

Resources

• Write a Cover Letter
• How to Be Prepared for a Job Interview
• How to Write an Effective Resume

[Devero]

on 1/10/2009 Thanks for the cover letter tips.