Including a cover letter with your resume will not only increase your resume's visibility, but it will also keep you in the running for the job. A significant number of employers will automatically discard any resume that doesn't include a cover letter, as the prevailing logic is that you come across as lazy for not including one. However, having a cover letter alone is not necessarily enough to net you the job; you need to have one that is well written and stands out.
Related Searches:
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Select a style that is business-like and professional. Use high-quality office paper, and stick with a classy, single font. You want to use style to get attention, but the right kind of attention. Don't get carried away by caricaturing your cover letter.
2
Address your cover letter to the specific person who will be in charge of interviewing you. Not only does this ensure that your resume will fall into the right hands, it also shows diligence on you part. The fact that you took the time to do your homework will impress your potential employer. However, if this information is ultimately unattainable, at least address your letter to an actual person in the company. Avoid "To Whom it May Concern" at all costs.
3
Use a good, attention-grabbing opening statement. Avoid using passive voice to state the obvious. The potential employer is well aware that you saw the ad; there's no need to say that, much less open with it. Instead, begin with a strength of yours that relates to the job in which you're applying. If you're applying for a retail management position, use something to the effect of "With 13 years experience of managing high volume stores, I..."
4
Highlight your job skills that are applicable to the position. This is a continuation and further explanation of your opening statement. Don't get too wordy by giving a blow-by-blow account of your employment history---the letter should not exceed one page---but briefly inform your would-be employer that you are the person most qualified for the job.
5
Finish the letter by thanking them for their consideration and that you look forward to meeting them. Some applicants might see this as presumptuous, but to the employer, it shows confidence. It's a simple, polite and subtle way of reiterating that you are sure you are the right person for the job.
Although your word processing program may include one or more business letter templates, they are often more elaborate and troublesome than necessary...
