How to Write a Cover Letter
Important Letter Writing Tips Increase Chances of a Job Interview
Mar 8, 2009
Though often passed off as optional, writing an effective cover letter along with an updated resume is an important element of the job application process. Like the resume, the cover letter is a tool used to sell the candidate’s skills to employers.
The cover letter serves to personalize the candidate’s job application. It provides a brief summary of the applicant’s objective, desired position, skills summary, and an explanation of why the applicant is a good fit for the position.
Types of Cover Letters
Like a resume, the cover letter can be tailored to fit the applicant’s circumstance. For example, there are cover letters geared toward those who are changing careers, cover letters designed for recent college graduates, and cover letters for employees who are changing industries and transferring skills.
Three main types of cover letters span these circumstances:
- Networking cover letter (requests assistance and information pertaining to the candidate’s job search)
- Prospecting cover letter (requests information on possible positions that may not be advertised)
- Application cover letter (the most common cover letter, responds to a specific job listing)
Cover letters are also industry-specific. For example, an accountant will want to approach a cover letter a bit differently than an information technology manager; an educator with a curriculum vitae (CV) will want to structure a cover letter differently than a receptionist.
Basic Structure of the Cover Letter
The cover letter typically has a three-part structure that the applicant needs to keep in mind while writing the letter.
In the first paragraph, the applicant tells the employer why he or she is writing. The second paragraph explains the most relevant skills, background, and achievements of the applicant. The third paragraph is a conclusion where the applicant explains how he or she will follow up with the employer.
Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter
To many job seekers, writing a cover letter is a bit intimidating. However, it doesn't have to be. For cover letter writing success, the applicant should
- follow the basic three-part cover letter structure
- keep the cover letter concise, professional, and highly focused
- not repeat the resume verbatim but rather provide a personalized summary of background and skills
- express high level of interest and enthusiasm in the company and the position
- detail the most relevant job experience from the resume related to the position of interest
- use action verbs (e.g., developed, managed, coordinated)
- explain why the applicant is interested in the company and the position
- express how the applicant’s skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting
Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be intimidating. When the applicant has a good understanding of the types of cover letters, writes according to basic cover letter structure, and keeps in mind key tips for writing the cover letter, success in landing an interview is just around the corner.
See related articles, "Top 3 Websites for Resume Help," “Top 6 Job Search Engines," and "4 Websites That Offer Work at Home Virtual Jobs."
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