Cover Letter How-To’s

Jan 5th, 2009 | By Bill | Category: Cover Letters



When applying for a job or a specific position advertised, it is important to present a good resume as this will be the first thing an employer sees, not your good traits, nor your skills. It is proper business etiquette to always submit your resume together with a good cover letter regardless if the employer requested for one or not. Consider it your edge amongst other applicants. A well written and well thought of cover letter can land you the position you are applying for as this can set a good and lasting impression on the employer even before you get interviewed.

A good cover letter would contain the following: reason for sending the resume, information on how you learned about the position opening, selling yourself, enumerating your creditable background in school an in previous job assignments, provide information required of you and indicate what you will do to follow up your application. Also, it is important that you squeeze all these information in on e cover letter page.

First, the body of your cover letter should have an introduction or explanation of why you are sending your resume. Here, you specify the position you are applying for. You let the employer know if you are applying for a temporary or a permanent position. This is important as it will be difficult to sort out resumes and cover letters without these specified clearly, you may even get your resume lost if they can’t find the proper group to put it in.

Next, you should let the employer know how you found out about the opening. You tell them whether you read their job advertisement I a flyer, or a website, the newspaper or if you heard it from someone you know (if you did, it is important you include that person’s name). This is important for employers to know which advertising tool works best for them, and possibly reward a person who has successfully recruited new hires.

Another part is when you sell yourself. This includes mentioning all your skills, and creditable background – in school and / or in a previous job function. This is the part where you mention which university you graduated from and what degree or degrees you now hold. You also give them a short discussion on the assignments you have taken and your skills and experience that will make them choose you for this position over all the other applicants. You also mention your commendable attitudes, your personality, motivation, good working ethics and communication skills. This section is important as this is the part that will make them check out your resume more thoroughly and see your strengths and abilities. It can also make them call you in once again for a final interview.

Finally, you give them an idea of how you intend to follow up your application, whether you will be calling them or if you will just wait and expect their call. Also, give them the information they are asking for like your availability or when you can start working, preference in schedule and salary.

Mark Mattey is a writer and entrepreneur. To learn more about writing a good cover letter or cover letter templates & examples, visit his website.

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