Cover Letter Writing Tips
A cover letter is sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and experience. It provides detailed information on why are you are qualified for the job, explains the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identifies your most relevant skills or experiences. Each cover letter should be specifically tailored to the job. Don’t send out one general cover letter for all jobs you are applying.
Cover Letter Nuts & Bolts
Your typical cover letter will include the following:
Include your full contact information (yes, repeat your name, address, telephone and e-mail even if you have all that information on your resume)
Address the letter to a specific person in the company/organization if possible.
The first paragraph should state the position you are applying for and your interest in that organization and the job.
The second paragraph should state your qualifications, skills. This is where you make a connection between your abilities and their needs. Take clues from the job description. Mention how your skills and experiences will match their requirements.
In your third and final paragraph you should thank the employer for considering you for the position and state how and when you’ll follow up with them.
Close your letter with “Respectfully yours,” “Sincerely,” or other type of complimentary closing, sign it and mail or e-mail along with your resume.
Action Verbs
Sometimes you are short of words when writing a resume. You need to use strong verbs to describe your skills. Here’s a list of action verbs to help you through the process.
To learn more about writing cover letters and view samples please visit the following pages:
Cover Letter Writing Tip 1
Cover Letter Writing Resource 2