How To Write A Cover Letter

Every cover letter, regardless of the type or position interested in, should be compelling! A common mistake is taking painstaking efforts to create the perfect resume but then only a few minutes to draft an accompanying letter. In this article, we wanted to provide you with specific information on how to write and design a cover letter that will increase your chances of getting the interview.

Font - Start by using a traditional font, preferably Arial or Veranda 12

Contact Information - Your cover letter should include your full name, address, phone number, and address at the top, making it clearly visible

Format

Date - Top, left-hand side of the page

Company Information - Type the name of the person in charge, company name, and address

Salutation - Begin your cover letter with Dear Mr. or Ms. (last name of individual in charge). Make sure your letter is not simply, addressed to the head of HR or the company itself. Instead, take time to phone the company, asking for the name of the person to receive the cover letter and resume, as well as proper spelling of the name.

Body of Letter - This would be the main content of the letter, broken down into three or four paragraphs, each consisting of two to four sentences.

Start by stating the resource from which you learned about the position. Now, if you found the job in the newspaper, through Monster.com, or some other similar resource, the job may have some type of identification number. If this were the case, this number would also be mentioned.

Interest - One of the best steps you can take is researching the company to learn the exact business, size of the company, year of establishment, number of office locations, and so on. In the second paragraph, mention just enough so the employer knows you have done your homework.

Skill set/Experience - For the third paragraph, in a brief sentence, state why you make the best candidate for the position.

Just below the skill set, create a six to eight bulleted point list of specific skills you offer relevant to the job and/or industry.

Closing - In the last paragraph, thank the employer for their consideration, stating that you look forward to meeting in person.

Signature - Close your cover letter with \"Sincerely\" or \"Regards\"

Miscellaneous Tips

Try to avoid using the word \"I\" too much, a common mistake.

Triple check your grammar and spelling. In fact, we suggest you have another person read through the completed letter prior to sending it.

Write the letter in a positive, enthusiastic, and professional manner.

If an existing employee told you about the open position, ask him/her for permission to use their name as a reference in the cover letter.

Provide the right information while keeping it brief (never more than one page).

If you are unsure how to write a cover letter, you will find a number of free templates online.

Never divulge the reason you are searching for a new job.

Salary and benefit information should not be addressed in a cover letter.

Sample Cover Letter

Your contact information (aligned left, center, or right)

Date

Name of person in charge
\r Company Name
\r Address
\r City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. (name)

Paragraph One - One to two sentences covering how you learned of the position, job ID if applicable, and why you are interested.

Paragraph Two - Two sentences covering information you learned about the company

Paragraph Three - Two sentences stating your qualifications. The goal is to highlight relevant qualities and experiences.

Six to eight specific bullet points on skills/experience

Paragraph Four - Two to four sentences referring to the attached resume, requesting time for an interview, and thanking the individual for his/her consideration

Closing (Sincerely or Regards)

Your full name

Attachment(s)

\"In Just 10 Minutes Flat, You Can Quickly And Easily Crank Out An Amazing Resume That Is Guaranteed To Have Your Telephone Ring Off The Hook With Hot Job Interviews And Top Job Offers...\" http://www.Amazing-Resumes.com

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