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2. Cover Letter
2. HOW TO WRITE A GOOD COVER LETTER
Introduction
The preliminary application for a professional position generally consists of two documents: a cover letter and a resume.
While the resume is a somewhat generic advertisement for yourself, which you may send unaltered to scores of different companies, the cover letter allows you to tailor your application to each specific job.
Each of your cover letters should bear the name and address of the company to which you are applying and should address by name the specific individual who will process your application. Each letter should also make specific reference to the company and may indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company is currently doing.
In
addition to tailoring your application to a specific job, the cover letter also
allows you to HIGHLIGHT the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills,
and experience listed in your resume.
Finally, remember that your cover letter is, in a very real sense, a schematic of yourself. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm and your intellect.
Your cover letter and resume are usually all a prospective employer has on hand to decide whether or not you will reach the next phase in the application process - the interview.
Content of the Cover Letter
In the very first paragraph of your letter, you should state what job you are applying for and how you learned about it. If you have any personal contacts in or with the company, you may want to mention them here. You should also state your general qualifications for the job. This paragraph should be brief, perhaps two or three sentences.
The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications for the position. Pick out the most relevant qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in some detail, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Refer the reader to your resume for additional details.
You may also like you to give an idea of the minimum salary you are expecting to earn.
In the concluding paragraph of your letter should request an interview (or some other response, if appropriate). State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information.
Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration.
What to Avoid
Keep to the facts and avoid private sentiments such as "I know you will like me because everybody does" or "I am the hardest worker you will ever meet". Such sentiments are very easy to write down and almost impossible to disprove, so most recruiters will ignore them and may mark you down for writing "fluff" as opposed to fact.
You should also avoid showing any lack of confidence ("please just give me a chance") or on the other hand too much confidence ("you won't find anyone as good as me"). Mostly you will be judged on your past achievements so keep to what you can substantiate.
2. Cover Letter
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