How to Write a Cover Letter

Many people have a misconception that good resume is all they need. However, it's the cover letters that gets the attention of the hiring manager and not the resume. Your resume is just a data sheet that backs up your cover letter that is your salesman.

There are various cover letter examples are available in the internet. The aim of these cover letter samples are to serve as a pattern. Knowing How to write a cover letter is half the battle in getting the one written.

First, make a list of your accomplishments. It should not be generic. It should show your ability. After making the list, start to read the ads. It is very important to study each and every term in the ad carefully. Your cover letter should be based on their requirements. A well written cover letter should incorporate some marketing ideas and your cover letter should focus the need of the employer.

The first paragraph should focus on the job post advertised, where it is advertised and date which the ad was published. In the second paragraph, you need to emphasis one or two top skills that you have. List a few accomplishments that match up to the requirements listed in the ads. Don't write skills irrelevant to the job you are applying for. Then explain why you want to work for them and what you can contribute. Polite conclusion is vital to end up a cover letter.

Write the cover letter as a sales presentation. It should point out your best features and why you are the best candidate for the job. A perfectly crafted cover letter can open more doors for you. Ensure to write individual cover letter for each job application. If you can make your cover letter stand out, then the job offers will soon be flooding your mail box.

A cover letter should have three main sections, similar to a book:

Beginning

This should include your address and the employers address. The cover letter should always start with the employers name if you know it or simply sir/madam.

The first line of the cover letter should be something like this:

"I am writing to you now to show my interest in the position I saw advertised in the paper 'Accounts Director' I believe I am well suited to this role and would be a valuable asset to your company"

The Middle

The bulk of your cover letter should be explaining why you are the right candidate for the job, it should also state all of your previous experience which is related to the role you are applying for, you should also state why you left previous work.

Although this information can be found in your resume it is also good practice to highlight it here as well.

An example of this would be:

"I believe I am more then qualified for this job position as I have had many roles similar to this, with some other large companies including (company name) and (company name). The reason for me leaving previous work and applying here is because I want a new challenge in my life and I believe you can provide this to me."

The End

The end of your cover letter should be you telling the employer that you will be following up on your application, this not only pushes the employer to resound to your application but also makes you seem very keen to obtain the job at their company.

You should also mention when you will be available for interviews, this shows that you understand how things work and will save the employer having to call you to see if/when you are available.

An example of this would be:

"I will be available for an interview on Monday 23rd, Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th. I will follow up on this application in the next few days, incase there is anything else you may need to know about me and my previous work history."

For more cover letter writing tips please visit Writing a cover letter.

A job interview is among one of the most difficult situations that individuals find themselves in. While most individuals observe the norms such as making sure that they are dressed properly, there are other essential factors that should be considered. The Dos and Don'ts during an interview encompass the list of things not to say in a job interview.

A job interview is the culmination of writing many resumes, different cover letters, and other job applications. It is therefore essential to ensure that this event goes smoothly with minimal hitches. Knowing some of the things not to say in a job interview will come in handy in ensuring that individuals get the positions or vacancies they are looking for. With adequate preparation and practice, interview can be an enjoyable experience and with less hurdles.

A list of things not to say in a job interview can made of the top ten interview blunders that individuals make and which may deny them positions that they have qualified for. Some of the top ten things not say during an interview include:

1) asking how much does the job pay

This is one of the things not to say in a job interview. Some individuals inquire of their salaries or how much they will be getting way before the employer has the chance to ask or even say anything. This makes one appear as if he or she just wants the position because of money. Wages and remuneration are not discussed first during the interview.

2) What does the company do or make?

A prospective candidate must do the underground research on the company or firm in question before going into a job interview with them. It is essential to look up the company over the internet and find as much as possible. This will show that you have interest in the company and post that you have applied for.

3) Use of slang

It is essential to note that the interview is not a normal or casual conversation with a friend or neighbor. It is a formal conservation which calls on individuals to use good English and grammar. This alleviates one from seeming disrespectful or not serious during the interview.

4) What the firm/company can do for you; vacations, promotions or bonuses?

This notion is a thing not to say in a job interview because it not only makes one seem selfish but also self-centered and the employer will obviously not like this. Instead be ready to tell them of what you have done to latter employers and what you can deliver to them.

5) Use of cursing words

Any kind of profanity should not be used during interviews. This shows lack of respect and leaves the interviewer with a bad taste about you in general.

6) No use of stereotypical language.

There is no room for use of stereotypical language. Make sure not to refer to people on their gender, sexual, nationality, race, religion and handicap basis.

7) Do not criticise your former employer.

By criticising or bashing former employers, it sends the signal that you will do the same to your boss once you leave the company. It is one of the things not to say in a job interview as it will ultimately deny you a job vacancy.

8) Do not say No when asked if you have any question

Saying no shows that you have little or no interest in the company or the job post that you are being interviewed for. Be smart and come up with some questions about the company and its operations.

9) Saying that you do not have any weakness

Most employers will ask you of the strengths and weaknesses that you have with regards to the job that you are being interviewed for. One of the things not to say in a job interview is that you have no weaknesses. It is vital to concentrate of giving them positive weaknesses instead of saying no to such a query.

10) Do not narrate your life story

It is the last in the list of top ten things not to say in a job interview. When ask by the interviewer to say little about yourself, deviate from telling them your life history or any personal information until the job is offered to you.