Writing a Cover Letter
The cover letter is your personal introduction to a potential employer. It must sell your experiences and skills. An employer who receives a job application will read the covering letter before the resume. Your letter must interest him/her to the point where they want to know more about you.
The cover letter is usually 3-4 paragraphs in length and follows the below format:
Paragraph 1
- Identify the area or specific position you are applying for
- Identify how you learned about the position
Paragraph 2 and 3
- Indicate why you are applying for this particular position
- Specifically articulate your career objectives
- Highlight your major qualifications that relate to the position
- Direct the reader to specific content in your resume, if appropriate
Paragraph 4
- Request a reply and the opportunity for a personal interview
- Include contact information
Points to Consider
- Always address the letter to a specific person and get the correct spelling.
- Open your letter with a dynamic statement. Most applicants begin letters by stating "I am applying for the position of….." Don't be like everybody else!
- Be direct.
- Don't get into issues or trouble spots in your cover letter. These can be handled in an interview situation if they should arise.
REMEMBER!
The purposes of the covering letter are to introduce you and your resume; encourage the employer to read your resume; provide a frame of reference in which your resume will be read; and most important - obtain that interview.
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