Advice On Writing A Cover Letter

by pickle

posted on 08/05/2009

When writing a cover letter, it's an easy mistake to just use a generic version. Avoid this at all costs. The cover letter is the first, and possibly the only thing, that the potential employer will look at when considering your application. You have to make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for.

Applying for a new job can be a long and arduous process, but writing a great cover letter is a crucial early step that can really limit this process. Basically, the cover letter is like your first impression of a new associate. Often people base their opinions about a person based heavily on their first impression of this person. This is also the case with potential employers, and often this is the exclusive basis for opinions with potential employers.

Potential employers often have so many candidates to consider that they will instantly dismiss anything that isn't directly applicable to them. They want to see people who stand out, and if you are using a generic cover letter you're only going to blend in. And if you blend in your resume will probably be skipped.

This is not to say that you can't use a template, in fact employers will expect your cover letter to look a specific way. They don't want too much information, they only want specific information.

Your cover letter should have three paragraphs. The first should very simply address how you heard about the job and concisely why you think you would be qualified. For instance, if you were applying for an editing job and you had a strong work history related to editing, say "I have ten years of editing experience," but don't extrapolate on this experience, that's for the next paragraph. Keep this statement very brief.

The next paragraph should include skills that make you competitive for this job. Make sure to be relevant and specific. For instance, if you are looking for an editing job say what editing tasks you have done at other jobs, or how you have used computer programs like Word in the workplace.

Finally close with a paragraph thanking the potential employer for consideration and inviting them to contact you for further information. Mention how your resume will be included, for instance if the cover letter is emailed say whether the resume is an attachment or included as text.

And finally make sure to include contact information, like phone number and email address.

Getting a job can be as easy as writing a specific and relevant cover letter, make sure to avoid generic cover letters!

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