Are you planning to write a cover letter but don't know where to start? Do you feel a little overwhelmed by all the possibilities you have already researched about cover books? Try not to stress too much; writing a cover book is really a piece of cake as long as you keep a few things in mind.
As you know more, your cover book is above or below the sales letter. You are a product that sells. In a nutshell, your cover letter needs to show the employer why he or she is crazy about not hiring you. Your book will need to show your specific qualifications that make you better than any other person who will be running for that position. Your book allows you to customize your resume.
Another thing to keep in mind when writing your cover letter is to keep it short and to the point. Remember that you are not the only person applying for this position. Chances are that the employer or hiring manager has a lot of ongoing literature with cover sitting on his desk. It is unlikely that they will always read a long cover book that goes on and on. They will pass a sentence or 2 and lose interest and throw your resume and cover book aside. Therefore, your cover book should never be more than a few sections long and should never, under any circumstances, be longer than the page. Anything longer than a page is almost guaranteed to make the trip into the black hole of the cover letters that you don’t look at a second time.
Start your first paragraph with your introduction. Send a letter to someone, whether you are a hiring manager or HR Rep. It is important to remember that the word is spelled correctly and with the correct title. This is where you introduce yourself and your reason for contacting them. This is where you tell them why you want to work for their company. It is a good idea to do some research for the company and put that into this category.
In your second category, you should include highlights from your resume showing how well you qualify for the position. It is the key here to always remember that you do not need to rewrite word for word. Highlight only those work-related components. This is where you really sell yourself. This is the stage where you should wear it to impress. Put yourself in your employer's shoes, and ask yourself if you can meet the needs of the company and how to meet them. Chances are this will be your longest phase but don't get too carried away. The employer does not need to know that you volunteer at your local community center every weekend to teach young children to play soccer. Remember, these employers are looking for the one person who best suits their needs. Use this section to show them that you are exactly what they want.
Your last paragraph or closing section is the one that makes you easily accessible to that conversation. After all, the purpose of the cover letter is the world of interview. It is a good idea to tell the employer to expect a call from you at some point to discuss this opportunity. Conclude your letter of appreciation for their time and look forward to meeting them.
You may be tempted to use one of the free sample covers you can find anywhere online. I do not recommend this. Writing a cover letter is more personal than the standard sample letter. A cover letter written by you is customized by you for that particular company and position. If you were to send a basic letter, it would likely just be thrown away. The last thing you need to remember is to keep the page itself simple. Make sure your spelling and grammar are correct. No need to go crazy with funny fonts and weird jeans. It is the key to keeping the cover book clean, basic, and light to the eyes.
Writing your cover letter is not as close or as close as it seems. Keep in mind these simple tips, and your cover book will open the doors to more opportunities.
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