Friday, July 9, 2010

Tip - Cover Letter

It's important to remember that a cover letter is a sales letter, and you are the product. The cover letter serves as an introduction to an employer, and your resume tells that employer about you. Like the resume, the cover letter is an important marketing tool. Remember, you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Your cover letter creates your first impression, and you want that impression to be positive.

It’s important to keep these objectives in mind when creating your cover letter. A cover letter serves to:
Introduce yourself
Create a favorable first impression
Demonstrate your professionalism
Illustrate your communication skills (Use proper punctuation, capitalization and grammar.)
Position requirements often list "good communication skills." Demonstrate those skills through your cover letter.

A cover letter has three general sections. The first should create interest and explain why you are writing. It should state the type of position you are applying for, as well as how you heard about the company. Refer to your enclosed or attached resume in the the first section. The second section should explain your interest in the position. You should relate your qualifications to the job opening, and describe related experience. This should be brief, but be specific about what you have to offer the company. The third section is the closing paragraph. Here you request action, such as an appointment, an interview, or some other definite action. Make this action easy for the reader to take by listing the best time to call you, the best number to reach you on, and/or your email address to contact you electronically. Close by restating your interest in the company.

Below are general guidelines to follow when formatting your cover letter.
Use a block style business letter with one inch side margins
Whenever possible, address the letter to an individual
Use the same font and type size as used for your resume
Proofread the cover letter, and have someone else proofread it as well.

When emailing, attach your cover letter and resume as two separate documents.

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