How to Write a Good Cover Letter

Follow these rules to write a good cover letter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• high quality paper

1. Do not "to whom it may concern", or Dear Sir/Madam". Always write to a specific person. To find out, call the HR department and find out whom the HR manager is, or the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work under.

2. Always make sure you are 100% correct in spelling, grammar and facts. Use the spell and grammar checker from your word processor. If you are not very good or need more help, get someone to edit the letter.

3. Analyze the job. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for. Then, address how you will meet the employers' needs.

4. Use a strong opening sentence. Do not use the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of … advertised in …". For example, if the job is for a sales manager, write something like "A proven track record in developing new business and increasing sales…" Design you opening to get the person to really read what you can do. Address the employers' needs identified earlier.

5. In the body of the cover letter, show them that you can meet the needs of the employer. Use the job advertisement and your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you find out what are the important skills required for that job?

6. Make your cover letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (unless you are in the arts.)

7. Be concise. This is not you autobiography. Keep it to one page.

[davida8575]

on 9/3/2009 Thank you so much for this article. It helped get me started to look for a better job.