Resume Cover Letters: How to Write a Cover Letter

Your resume is all typed out, you are thrilled about your job prospects, but you feel that you are forgetting something…there is this nagging at the back of your mind of something forgotten. And then it comes to you…like a lightening strike… Cover Letter! That oh-so essential cover letter that more often decides whether or not you are getting the job.

A cover letter is the first thing a prospective employer reads, from this he decides whether or not your resume is even worth looking at…so essentially the cover letter is your first hurdle in many during the whole process. There are several ways in which you can write your cover letter.

How to write a cover letter?
There are some easy steps that you can follow while writing your cover letter. Here they are:

Step 1 - Before writing the cover letter

• Even if the job application doesn’t not suggest submitting a cover letter, it is better if you write one.
• Your cover letter is like an invitation for the prospective employer to go through your resume.
• Before you start, always do some research about the company where you are applying for a job. This helps you in understanding what the company is looking for and helps you with the cover letter.
• Check out some sample cover letter before you start writing your own.

Step 2 - Choosing a style for your cover letter

• There are different styles or lets call them variations in cover letters.
• There are different types of cover letters like those in response to a job posting. These will include where you saw the posting.
• These days most cover letters are sent via email. These email cover letters are shorter than the traditional and most important is the subject line. Keep it simple but not generic.
• A cold call cover letter is one that is most difficult to write, as it is not in response to any job posting or listing. It should clearly state what position you are applying for and then do a follow up.

Step 3 - start with the cover letter

• Now is the time you start your cover letter. The header of the letter should consist of name, address, and contact information.
• A cover letter should never be generically addressed and neither should it be addressed as Dear Sir/Madam. Take the time to find out who is in charge, if nothing is mentioned on the job posting.
• Always use professional salutations like Dear Ms. This is neither informal nor casual.

Step 4 - Writing the cover letter

• Always make sure to mention the position that you are applying for and also include job ID if any.
• Make sure that you give the impression that you have done research about the company and the applied position.
• Give information about skills and other new information that is appropriate to the job and the company. And remember to be positive in your approach.
• Most importantly remember that the cover letter should be brief. A lengthy cover letter isn’t going to enhance your chances of getting the job.
• If you cannot figure out how to write an effective cover letter, then there are lots of cover letter templates available on the net; these will simplify your task considerably. Even while using templates, remember to personalize it.

Step 5 - Ending the cover letter

• End your cover letter by including best possible contact details.
• Include the fact that you will be following up and make sure you do so.

Step 6 - Proof Read

• Always read through your cover letter to make sure that you have not made any grammatical and typing errors.
• You may not be the best person to read your own cover letter, make some of your friends or members of your family read it.
• Take as much feed back as possible on your cover letter.
• And make sure that your cover letter is positive and enthusiastic.

Tips to remember

• Never mention why you need the job.
• Never mention expected salary.
• Do not make it longer than one page.
• Never use the same cover letter for different job applications.