The Art of the Cover Letter

Resume Help Job Hunting Tips

by Alex Rudloff on Jan 22nd, 2007

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of resume sending is the cover letter (or these days, the e-mail). The cover letter is your chance to make your first impression. A properly written letter should grab the employer's attention and help set the stage for a personal interview.

Here are simple instructions and a few tips and suggestions for writing a quality cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter

The first paragraph of your cover letter should explain why you are writing and what position you are applying for. This paragraph should be concise while at the same time showing your knowledge of the position and the company. Use this opportunity to make a connection to the reader.

"I am writing to apply for the Jr. Typist position. I first learned of XYZ, Inc. after reading the 'Top 100 Left Handed Work Environments' in Forbes magazine. Being an advocate for left handed rights, I decided right away that XYZ, Inc. would be a perfect match."

The second paragraph of your cover letter is generally the "meat and potatoes." This paragraph should explain to the employer why you are qualified for the position. The first sentence should be your power statement on why you are a match for the position. Follow the first sentence with 2 to 3 specific accomplishments or traits that support your argument. This is not the time for your life story, so list your most relevant, impressive experience. Do not copy these statements word for word from your resume, instead take the opportunity to craft a more conversational tone. The final sentence of this paragraph should summarize your argument while mentioning the position again. Bring it all back home.

"My uncanny ability to find solutions to common left-handed issues has made me the 'go-to' member of our local Left Handers Community Center. I have been published in three of the last four quarterly newsletters, and have recently been awarded member of the decade. Next fall, I will graduate with a masters in Left Handed Literature. With these experiences, I feel that I would instantly be able to contribute to your Typist division at XYZ Inc.

You have opened the door and walked through it. Now it is time to shut it behind you. The third paragraph should be just a few sentences to wrap things up. Thank them for their time, inform them of any enclosures (i.e., your resume), request a personal interview and set a time table. Never end a letter without this call to action, and make sure that you hold to it on your end.

"Enclosed is my resume for your review. I will contact you on the week of July 15th to discuss my qualifications and interest in the Jr. Typist position. Thank you for your time and consideration."

Print the letter on professional looking paper that matches your resume. Sign the document in ink and smile. You have just separated yourself from countless other applicants!

Cover Letter Tips and Suggestions

Keep it short and simple.
Avoid contractions (Won't, I'd I've, etc.)
Spell check and grammar check. Twice. Have a friend or loved one read the letter to make sure it flows nicely.
Use active descriptions, make yourself the subject of the sentence and avoid writing in the passive voice.
Do not justify or otherwise offer a reason for leaving your last position. Keep things forward looking.
Avoid the use of heavy industry jargon. Many times, the folks reviewing the letter are not specifically trained in the position you are applying for.
Address the letter to the person reading it. Do a little bit of research online and try to figure out who will be reading the letter.
Consider faxing a resume and cover letter to differentiate yourself from all the incoming e-mails. If you really want to get attention, fed-ex your resume and cover letter to the employer. ;)

Have another tip? Disagree with a tip given? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

22 Comments

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

John Smith says: (2:41AM on Sep 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Thanks for your information. Its a very helpful site. Its a really nice one. thanks :)

John Smith

John Smith says: (2:43AM on Sep 10th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport1/3

Thanks for your information. Its a very helpful site. Its a really nice one. thanks :)

Resume Cover Letter Samples

tasha says: (3:11AM on Oct 13th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

thanks for this article.. this is exactly how i was taught in college to write a cover letter and i am now passing this link on to friends and family looking for work.

Sample Cover Letter says: (12:04AM on Nov 26th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

The sample letter provided here are very good. This is one of the best post i have so far. Great job.
http://www.sampleletters.org/category/cover-letters

Laura Paris says: (1:40AM on Dec 7th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2.5/3

it's the nice site and i am enjoy your site. Its a very helpful site. Thanks for the information. :)

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Cover letter templates says: (7:08AM on Jun 23rd 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Most of the people tells how to write those points.,,these points in cover letters blah blah... But you explain in such a simple way with an awesome example that a school student can understand and write...

Amanda Dream says: (9:40PM on Aug 25th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Hi! Thanks for this very informative post.
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Patricia Anchondo says: (12:12PM on Sep 29th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2.5/3

I like working on computers, my experience is cashier work at less Five years , two years Assistant Manager and have Five years Housekeeping my goal is getting my GED and going Back to school and learning about computers.

Charlot says: (10:53PM on Oct 16th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Thank you Alex for providing a great perspective regarding cover letters. A cover letter, in particular, is often your first interview with a company, the first chance for a hiring agent to get to know you.

Cha
http://www.samplecoverletter.info

Mildred says: (8:00AM on Nov 29th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Thank you so much for your guidelines in Writing a Cover letter. Yours was so well illustrated. Have read several cover letters but i landed on your tips and BRAVO you stand out from the crowd, just as you said/wrote and i quote " You just seperated yourself from the countless applicants" Now instead of applicants will put "WRITTER". Can you please give me the tips on how to write a report? Thanks

KARTIKEYA RAJPAL says: (8:29AM on Jan 27th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Dear Mr. Alex.among all the sites i have visited, your's is the best! and i am really touched by the amount of hard work u have put into it. keep up the good work!

eddie taylor says: (6:03AM on Jul 2nd 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

nice informative post, thanks for sharing.
very very interesting.
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Preeti says: (12:09AM on Jul 20th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

This information is exactly what I have been searching for :) , thank you for sharing with us.

Cover Letter says: (9:58PM on Jul 24th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Thanks for the blog. It is useful for me, I'm writing Cover letter for my resume. But it will be more useful and helpful as well if it is brief but clearly define. Thanks for the advice anyway, I find value in it.

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Alan Cruize says: (2:06AM on Sep 23rd 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport3/3

Nice one Alex. Such a needful information you have been shared here. thanx a lot :) )

FRANK A. HILL SR. says: (2:12AM on Nov 25th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

I AM APPLYING FOR THE 1ST CLASS SHIPFITTER POSITION. I HAVE 7 YEARS EXPERIENCE. I WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR TEAM.I AM A HARD WORKER,EAGER TO LEARN,AND NO NONSENSE,WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING THE JOB DONE.THAT'S WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE ME.I WOULD MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR COMPANY.I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET THE JOB DONE. THANKS,FRANK HILL 251-508-7249-THEREALHILLS12@YAHOO.COM

Alison says: (1:10AM on Dec 20th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

I found this blog of your to be very informative, thanks again.
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Alison says: (1:10AM on Dec 20th 2011) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

I found this blog of your to be very informative, thanks again.
Professionally written resume cover letters

Dianna @ Sample Cover Letters says: (12:07AM on Jan 3rd 2012) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5

Thanks Alex... Its great help for a begineer.

http://www.bestcoverletters.com/

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