How to Write a Cover Letter

A good cover letter can pique the interest of a potential employer, even before they have browsed through your resume. It can really give you an edge over other applicants. Even if you have the best qualifications, another applicant with a well written cover letter may be interviewed first, and thus has a greater chance of landing the job. So it’s absolutely imperative that you spend time crafting a quality cover letter that grabs attention and makes you stand out amongst all the other candidates.

Fortunately, writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some easy and effective tips on how to write a cover letter…

In writing your cover letter, you should make it as compact as possible, but catchy and appealing. Who wouldn’t get tired of reading stereotyped or canned cover letters? Use the KISS principal (Keep It Simple Stupid). An effective cover letter is short, sweet, and to the point. Your cover letter should never be more than 1 page and should never be overly wordy.

The opening paragraphs of the cover letter should contain a summary of the contents of your job application: whether it is a filled-out application form, curriculum vitae, or some other documents. Enumerating the contents of your application allows your prospective employer to know what exactly to expect from the accompanying documents. Start your cover letter off with a bang by putting the most impressive material first. Do not assume the reader will go through your complete cover letter. You must grab their attention form the very first line.

The next two to three paragraphs (the body of the cover letter) should convey that you are competent for the job. Mention the job requirements as well as the job description; and then mention your training, job experiences, and your skills that would be suited to the job.

Try to draw out the implication of how you are suited to the job you are applying for. without blatantly selling yourself. Just make the right connections between the aspects of the job description you are mentioning, and your specific skills matching the job.

Lastly, the closing paragraph should part on an affable note. Convey that you look forward to hearing from, and working with, the company you are applying to. Express your thanks for the opportunity to possibly work with them.

Take the initiative to contact the employer after they receive your cover letter. Remind the employer that you are a prospective candidate and ask about the status of the job.

Always check your cover letter for spelling mistakes. Do not let your chance of getting the job slip away by making silly spelling mistakes. Do a spell-check on your computer then print the cover letter and re-check the hard copy for mistakes. Also, since it is often difficult to find your own spelling mistakes make sure to ask someone else to read your cover letter as well. A fresh set of eyes can help pick out those mistakes.

Re-read your cover letter after a couple of days. Once you have completed your cover letter put it away for a couple of days and then go back and re-read your cover letter. You’ll be surprised at what you discover.

If you don’t know how to get started with writing a cover letter, these cover letter templates will be able to assist you. They would serve as guides so you know how to format your letter, and where to write specific information. If you’ll just follow a cover letter template, you’ll be able to organize your ideas well, and within minutes, you’ll have a well written cover letter. There are a myriad of guides available on how to write a cover letter, providing effective letter templates, use them!