Cover Page Format

A cover page is written to introduce yourself to the prospective employers and sent along with your resume. It is also called a cover letter. It is used to emphasize and introduce your skills, experiences and achievements to a prospective employer. It helps support or add to the skills and professional experiences that are mentioned in your resume.

A cover letter for a resume should be specific for each and every job you apply. A proper cover page format is the first impression you can make on your prospective employer. The following instructions will help you draft one that suits your needs.

The Format

A cover letter should not be too long and be able to demonstrate your work experiences, education qualification and background that explains your reason for applying for the job. A proper format should contain three paragraphs at the most.

The first paragraph should contain an introduction. You need to mention the job you are applying for and the place of advertisement you saw the job posted. You need not mention your degree, where and when you got, dissertations (if any), fellowships, prizes, etc. These are to be mentioned in your resume and not on the cover page.

The second paragraph should contain information that helps explain why you deserve the job. You need to highlight your relevant experiences and specific accomplishments. This paragraph should change according to the job profile you are applying. The second paragraph is generally the longest paragraph of the letter. If you feel the paragraph looks too lengthy, you can break it up into two paragraphs. The opening line of the paragraph should be hard-hitting that shows the major accomplishments in your experience. You should never repeat sentences or paragraphs from your resume in the cover letter. This shows lack of words and weak communication skills. The last line should mention the name of the job you are interested in.

The last and final paragraph should be short and contain only 2 to 3 sentences. It should include a request to consider you for an interview, contact details and information about enclosed resume. Never forget to thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. The following template will help you draft a letter that suits your needs.

Template

Cover Letter for Resume

Your Name Address City, State, Zip Code Phone Number Email Address Date Name of Employer (if you know it) Title Company Address City, State, Zip Code Salutation Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (Last name can be omitted if you don't have it, Instead use Sir/Madam.) Body This paragraph will help your employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. First Paragraph The first paragraph should include information on why you are writing. You need to mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting. (Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one, this line is optional). Middle Paragraph(s) Here, you should describe what you have to offer the employer. You should mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. This is the paragraph where you interpret your resume, not repeat it. Final Paragraph The concluding paragraph should contain thanks to the employer for considering you for the position. You can request the employer to fix an interview date. You also need to include information on follow-up. Complimentary Closing Respectfully yours, Signature Handwritten Signature (if you are mailing your letter) Typed Name

A cover page helps a prospective employer scan through qualified individuals from the hundreds of applications they receive. It is a way of portraying yourself as a confident and bold individual who will prove to be a valuable asset to the company. With a proper format, you will be able to impress the prospective employer with your professionalism and sense of business ethics.