How to Prepare a Cover Letter for a Resume
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume. This letter allows employers to better understand what you are looking for in a job and helps them get to know a bit more about who you are. Many employers now insist on cover letters for job applications, so it is vital to have a strong cover letter to make a good impression during your job hunt.
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Instructions
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Brainstorm what you would like your possible employer know about you. This can be done as bullet points if needed at first. Ask and answer the following questions: Who are you? What are you hoping to gain from your next job? What are your strengths? Why do you want your next job? What are your skills? And finally, what is the best way to reach you?
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Start your cover letter with 'To Whom It Make Concern' if you do not know who will be reviewing your application as this is the easiest way to address a company. Cover letters are a lot like normal letters. Start with an introduction, stating who you are and the position that you are applying for within the company. After you have done this add a transition that lures your reader in. One example: 'While your company gets applications for the available position on a daily basis, if you want someone who is determined to excel and succeed, please take a look at my attached resume.' After you have written your transition you will be ready to move onto the middle part of your cover letter.
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The middle of your cover letter should cover the various skills that you possess. Use this part of the cover letter to exand on your resume; rather than just listing all that you can do, say more about each specific skill. For example if you are a professional make up artist say something like: 'I have been involved in the cosmetics industry for five years and have an array of clients. I am able to cater to my clients' needs and I feel that this is something that will certainly make me an asset to your company." Employers are going to be looking to hear more about what you are capable of doing before they offer to have you come in for an interview. You do not have to include every skill that you have, however it is nice to include ones that seem most vital for the job you are applying for. Focus on two to three skills and expand on them for a sentence or two.
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After highlighting some of your talents, wrap up your cover letter. State again why you would be good at this job and when you will be available for a personal interview. Usually a good way to go about this is by stating what you hope to get out of the position. Example: 'it is my hope to not only work in this position, but to eventually grow within the company as it is my career objective to become a...' After you have stated why you would like the position begin to discuss your availability. You can do this by simply saying "I would like to arrange a time to further discuss my skills in detail along with the open position. I am available at your earliest convince for a personal interview, all of my contact information is listed on my resume." This is a good way to show that you are ready for the interview. Finish your letter by adding 'Sincerely' and then your first and last name, just like you would see in a normal letter.
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Proofread your cover letter since grammatical and spelling errors look unprofessional. Review the cover letter several times to make sure that everything is correct. Ask a friend or family member to take a look at your cover letter as well.
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After you are satisfied with your cover letter, print several copies and attach one to each of your resumes. Also make sure to save a copy of your cover letter to your computer so you are able to send the letter out to employers via email.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid using contractions like I'm, we're, I'd etc. Spell out the full word rather than using these.
A cover letter should never exceed one page.
References
Resources
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