The Basics of a Cover Letter

A cover letter introduces readers to the resume.

Cover letters serve one of the most important functions of the job application process. Writing a powerful cover letter can inspire hiring personnel to continue to read your resume or else discard your application before it gets off the ground. Attend to the basics of a good cover letter to help secure that all-important interview. When applying for a position online, be sure to include a cover letter, even when the field reads "Optional."

Presentation

Before the hiring personnel reads a word on the cover letter page, she sees the letter's overall presentation. Formatting and organization pull in the reader. Format a cover letter using single-spacing with double-spacing between paragraphs. Keep a cover letter to a single page so as not to lose the reader's attention. Format one-inch margins around the entire page. Use a readable font like Times New Roman or Calibri no larger or smaller than 10 or 12 point. Add the same heading format on your resume for a consistent presentation.

Organization

Any job requires a talent for organization. Organize a cover letter to send an unspoken message that the applicant collects and communicates information in a comprehensible manner. Place contact information at the top followed by the hiring company name and contact data. The Purdue Online Writing Lab recommends organizing the body of a cover letter with an introduction and formal salutation, persuasive content and an appropriate closing and signature.

Important Details

Apparent minor details can send major messages about a job applicant. Take the time to find out the name of the person doing the hiring. Look on a company website or call its main number to discern the appropriate person to whom you should address the letter. Customize every cover letter to reflect the exact company and industry in which the applicant is expressing interest. Refer, for example, to your passion for and expertise in library science if you are applying for a librarian position.

Keywords

Keywords play a crucial role in the application process and it begins with the cover letter. Write down keywords from the position posting. Use keywords to catch the scanning software employers sometimes use to create a pool of qualified applicants, and to catch the attention of the human reader. Keywords for a front desk position in a hotel might include, "hospitality industry," "resort," "supervisor" and "guest expectations."

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Cover Letter Workshop: Formatting and Organization
• Job Star: Cover Letter Guide for Job Seekers

Resources

• HCareers: Hotel Front Desk Agent
• Job Star: Free Sample Cover Letters & Cover Letter Templates