Write a Cover Letter

Cover letters are a good way to introduce yourself to the prospective employer. Cover letters are mostly accompanied by a resume, but they are also written for job application and internships. Cover letters need to be attractive yet simple. Cover letters should highlight the important details so as to have an advantage over other applicants. Cover letters should be such that it should brighten your chances of a personal interview with the employer. Though, the format for cover letters written for resume, job application and internship will remain the same, content will differ according to the intended purpose. So let's start with how to write a cover letter for a resume, job application and internship.

How to Write a Cover Letter

Firstly, use good quality paper to write a cover letter. You can spend sometime researching about the company, as it will help you to write a cover letter for job application, according to the employers needs. The main focus of your cover letter should be on writing about your background, accomplishments, special skills and ambitions. It is advisable to spare some time and thought while preparing a cover letter, just as you would for an interview. You can start the letter with essential information in the following sequence.

• Full Name
• Address
• E-mail
• Phone Number
• Date
• Mr/Ms Name of the Employer
• Name of the Company
• Address

Begin with: Dear Mr/Ms Name of Employer as it is not formal nor very casual.

Introduction
Resume - This opening paragraph should make a connection with the employer, it should talk about you, the position you are applying for and the reference from which you came to know about the vacancy. If someone has referred you to the employer and the employer knows that person, you can mention it, as it will encourage the employer to read further.

Job Application - When writing a cover letter for job application the introduction will mostly remain the same as above but if you are applying for a potential job opening then the introduction must be unique so that you can catch the readers attention right away. Let the reader know that you have done a considerable amount of research about the company and the position, it can help break the ice.

Internship - To write a cover letter for internship the introducing paragraph will be a little different from job application cover letter because you might not have much work experience to boast about but you can make up for that by beginning on an enthusiastic and positive note. You can research about the company it will help build an impression.

Main Paragraph
Resume - This paragraph has to convey why you are the best for the job. You can write about the work challenges you faced in the previous company and how you handled them successfully. Write your major achievements don't write your whole life story but write enough to impress the employer, don't hold back the best lines for the interview. In the interview you can elaborate on what you have written.

Job Application - The main paragraph of cover letter for a job application should also contain the above points. You can mold this paragraph according to the needs of the employer. But if you are writing for a prospective job opening you can write about your strengths, interests and skills, which the organization can benefit from. Remember not to copy word for word from the resume.

Internship - The main paragraph of cover letter for internship can contain some of the above relevant points. As you will not be able to write much about work-related experience, you can write about your special achievements, relevant to the position you want to work with, as a intern. You can also write about your academic achievements in the form of awards and scholarships, if any. Your writing should convey your enthusiasm for the company and the position.

Concluding Paragraph
This paragraph will remain the same for all types of cover letter. You must thank the employer for his time and consideration. You can mention that you will be looking forward to the interview, on the day and time suitable to the employer. Write, that you will call or follow up, and do call on the stipulated day or time. End the letter with 'Sincerely' followed by your name and signature. You can also check on some cover letter formats for reference.

Some important points to remember are, that you must not mention any salary expectation in the cover letter, it should be free of any spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. Hope the above tips help you to write a cover letter which will enhance your chances of getting that dream job you always wanted.