Cover Letter Format

Although cover letters should be different, personalized and uniquely creative, there are certain guidelines one must follow to ensure that the content of your cover letter guarantees you a high percentage of snagging the job that you want. If you follow the right format, this is very much possible to give a great first impression to the person reading it and convince him or her to read on further, then to peruse your resume and consider you for an interview.

Your cover letter should contain your contact information. This should be at the opening of the document you write. This block consists of your address, your telephone number and your email address. Next is the date when you sent the cover letter.

Follow this in the next few lines with the name of the person where the letter will be sent. It is essential to be aware of the particular person you are mailing your cover letter. You can call up the company and inquire the name of the concerned person.

First Paragraph: This is your opportunity to connect with the employer. State your reason for writing, mentioning the specific position for which you are applying. Also, indicate how you learned about the position. Remember to include the name of a mutual contact if you have one.

Second Paragraph: Briefly describe your experience, show what you can do for the employer and indicate why you are interested in the position. Outline your strongest qualifications and show how they match the position requirements. Recent graduates can explain how their academic background has prepared them for the position. If you have some work experience, point out how your specific achievements or experience qualifies you for the position. Everything in the letter should relate to the need of the employer. Try to not repeat what is already in your resume.

Third Paragraph (optional): You can indicate specific quantifiable examples of how your skills/experiences have benefited your current or former employers.

Final Paragraph: Indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to the time and place. Close your letter with a statement or questions that will encourage a response or indicate that you will follow up on a specific date. Then, be sure to follow up when you said.

Keep it brief and precise. Avoid exceeding one page. Remember that with the large mass of applicants in a certain job opening, interviewers do not have a lot of time to see all of these applicants.

Show in your letter that you are really interested in the job. Write that you want to get a personal interview as fast as possible because this shows great interest in getting the job; however, do it in a polite manner.

Write your letter whole-heartedly with veracity and respect. This manner can add a personal touch to your cover letter making it unique from others.

Make sure you know what you are applying for so you can defend your claims in the cover letter during the interview.

Your cover letter should be free of any typos or grammatical mistakes. Such errors create a very poor impression on the minds of the employer. They thereafter do not consider your resume at all.