How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is the first line of communication that you are going to establish with a potential employer. A well written cover letter pre-markets your candidacy and is the most important document that creates a positive first impression and stimulates interest in your resume. Well written cover letters reflect your communication skills and indicate to the reader that you are expressive, articulate, concise, and an effective communicator. Poorly written cover letters convey lack of professional pride. Well written cover letters have the capacity to grab the reader's attention and compel the reader to grant you a personal interview. You have to spend some time and energy to learn how to write a cover letter.

There are two parts of the cover letter that readers are interested in, one is appearance and the other is content. The structure of the cover letter should be such that it reflects your intellectual capacity and suggests to the reader that you have strong conceptual, logical, and analytical qualities. More often than not candidates are invited for a personal interview solely on the strength of their cover letter. Spending a great deal of time and attention on writing a cover letter is the most important yet often neglected aspect of a job-hunting process.

Include only such information in your cover letter that adds substance to your qualifications as most of the juicy information will be present in your resume. A resume will highlight your achievements and demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate for the job, while your cover letter should indicate your qualities and how well they match the job requirements.

Follow a few basics when writing a cover letter. A cover letter is not your everyday business letter but it is strong and assertive sales letter that will make an effective sales pitch. Begin the letter by introducing yourself and spell the benefits that you bring to the table. Back your claims by mentioning credible and verifiable past achievements.

The tone of the letter should be conversational and professional. Communicate the message you want to convey in small simple sentences, avoid using phrases and big words. Remember the purpose of the cover letter is to entice the reader to also read your resume. Use words and sentences that demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the position being offered. Demonstrate your keenness to work for the company or the industry.

Present your educational qualification and achievements in a creative and interesting way. The cover letter should not bore the reader as he or she has to go through a pile of letters and resumes before short listing a few candidates for personal interviews. Avoid mentioning everything that is there in your resume in the cover letter itself; the idea is to entice the reader to further read your resume for more details.

Proactively seek a meeting or an interview. You can mention that you will be calling the concerned person for setting up a meeting at their convenience. Remember the sole purpose of sending your resume along with the cover letter is to have a personal interview, so you have to use every tool at your disposal to get one.

Use action words in the cover letter and write the cover letter from the reader's perspective. Avoid using passive voice and do not begin your sentences with "I" as the focus should be on the hiring organization and not on you.

Seek tips from friends and colleagues on how to write a cover letter. Targeted and well written cover letter is as important as a well written resume.

Good luck.