Business Education and Training

You have heard it so often that it is permanently etched into your mind - always write a cover letter to accompany your resume. But what is a good cover letter, exactly? Is it even that important?

It’s very important, in fact. If you know how to write a cover letter in will provide an introduction to a potential employer and can do so in a more personalized way than you resume alone ever could.You can use your cover letter to give the reader an idea of who you are and why you are perfect for the job. Think of it this way; your resume tells people about your skills while your cover letter tells them about you.

Additionally, it is a chance to impress a potential employer with your intelligence and communication skills as well as to tell them that you know all about the job you are attempting to land. You can really do a lot with a good cover letter, so don’t forget to write one with every resume.

What do I need to know before I write my cover letter? Research is the most important part of how to write a cover letter. Don’t even think about trying to write your cover letter without first gathering all of the necessary facts.

Remember to know your audience. Who will be reading this letter? More than likely it will be the HR director and the head of the department where the vacancy exists - and this is the person who will be interviewing you. Address the envelope to HR but the letter to this department head. It’s a good way to get their attention. Use the opportunity to not only introduce yourself but to display your knowledge of the position. This kind of letter will earn you callbacks every time, whether you’re totally qualified for the position or not.

Before you start writing a killer cover to land the job of your dreams, do your research!

Besides having a proper format, your cover letter should have three distinct paragraphs. The first two should be an introduction, and the reasons why you are the right person for the job.

Now for the content of your letter; while format is very important, the content is the heart of the matter. Mention right off the bat which position you are applying for and the reference number from the job posting (if any) and mention where you saw the posting. Something along the lines of “Please consider this letter my application for the position of —–” makes for a good first line especially if you are just learning how to write a cover letter for the first time.

The second paragraph is where make your case to the reader briefly. Tell them why you want to work at their firm, why you are the ideal candidate for this position and include anything that will help you stand apart form other applicants. If you have held a similar position in the past, now is a good time to say so. This paragraph is the most important part of your cover letter.

After you’ve done your research and written the first and second paragraphs of your cover letter, it’s time to finish it off with a bang. Not so much a big bang, but you want to leave an impression while still covering all the bases.

The last paragraph should briefly close out your cover letter. Tell the prospective employer when you can meet for an interview and never, ever use the word “if”. Exude confidence and assume that they will call you - after all, you’ve just spent the last paragraph telling them you are perfect for the job. But also include a time when you plan on calling and following up. Most people who are rookies in the field of how to write a cover letter forget this important point.

That’s it, you’ve done it! Remember not to staple your cover letter to your resume (use a paper clip instead) and fold cover letter and resume together before you put them in the envelope. Good luck to you!