How to Write an Effective Cover Letter
A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer and helps you connect your specific skills with the position you seek. Because your resume is very list-like, a cover letter allows you to introduce yourself in a more conversational way.
A cover letter should:
- Act as a sincere introduction.
- Demonstrate your communication skills.
- Give an employer a sense of your attitude and personality.
- Point out why you would be a good fit for the position.
Parts of a Cover Letter (See sample cover letter below.)
| Heading |
A proper heading not only makes your cover letter look sharp, but also makes sure that it gets into the right person’s hands
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| Introduction |
Introduce yourself by stating which position you are interested in. Indicate how you found out about the opening. Summarize very briefly why you’d be a good fit.
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| Body |
This is the heart of your cover letter. Here you draw connections to the employer’s need and what skills you have to offer. You aren’t rehashing your resume. Rather, you explain why you are a particularly good fit for this job. Use what you know about the position from experience, research and the job posting to help you respond to the needs of the employer.
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| Invitation |
You’ve made a case for why the employer should be interested in you. Now tie things up by expressing that you’d like to move to the next step by sitting down for an interview. Be direct, yet respectful about stating your expectation. One technique is to tell an employer that you will call them after they’ve had a chance to view your resume in order to set up an interview – that way, not only have you created the expectation that you’ll be invited for an interview, but you’ve also set up a promise for you to follow through on.
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| Closing |
A sincere closing puts a nice end to your statement. Always remember to sign your cover letter to add a personal touch. |
Follow this link to find an online tutorial on how to write a good cover letter.
Tips:
- No form letters - The purpose of doing a cover letter is to show an employer you care enough to take the time to answer their need personally. Tailor your letter to the specific position you're applying for. A generic letter will look phony and impersonal.
- Respond Quickly - Waiting until the application deadline will show that you procrastinated. Get your resume and cover letter in early to show that you are on the ball.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread - Cover letters, resumes and job applications are work samples. Show that you can be neat and accurate at all times. It's a good idea to have another person look over it for any mistakes as well.
Sample Cover Letter for Job Search
740 East 17th Street (Heading)
Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Your Address)
April 18, 2010 (Today’s Date)
Mr. Herbert Stookey (Recipient Name)
Human Resources Administrator (Recipient Title)
Macrocosm Shipping (Company)
1200 Second Avenue South (Recipient Address)
Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Recipient Address)
Dear Mr. Stookey: (Salutation)
I recently became aware of the Warehouse Assistant opportunity with your company through
a posting in the Star Tribune newspaper. I believe that I would be an asset to your company based
on my experience driving a forklift and my commitment to a job well done.
You will see that my resume outlines my qualifications regarding warehouse work in general.
I would like to point out that through my work I have had an opportunity to learn and work with several
computerized ordering systems you mentioned in your job posting such as OrderCon and FastEx.
Additionally, I have an excellent track record for working quickly, accurately, and with constant
regard for safety.
I look forward to further discussing my qualifications and learning more about Macrocosm Shipping
in an interview. I will contact you this week to set up a time for an interview. Thank you.
Sincerely,
(signature)
Donald Bolton
612.867.5309
Enclosure
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