More Killer Resume Tips - How to Write a Cover Letter
Writing the perfect cover letter for your resume is just as important as the resume itself!
Regardless of the type of employment you’re seeking, your resume’s cover letter will typically form your potential employer’s first impression of you and your qualifications for the position.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
A successful cover letter is much more than a simple introduction to your resume. While a resume is full of facts, figures, and employment history - your cover letter will display a great deal about you, your personality, your communication skills, and even your attitude. Chances are, a resume with a poorly written cover letter will see the trash bin before it has the opportunity to be reviewed.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
While proper grammar, correct spelling, and a professional business letter format are quite important - the content of your cover letter is also crucial to your resume’s success.
Do not:
- Write a quick “Hi, here’s my resume” and call it a cover letter.
A clean, professional font like Times or Arial is best for your resume. Photo by: Francisca
- Simply rehash the points already covered in your resume.
- Use the same generic letter for all employers.
- Fill your letter with complicated vocabulary and long sentences.
- Overly sell yourself - but don’t sell yourself short!
Do:
- Introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing in a professional , but personal tone.
- Take the time to review the position requirements and company information so you can briefly explain why your expertise will benefit the employer.
- Use bulleted lists and short paragraphs to make your letter easy to read.
- Describe how your skills and qualifications make you the perfect candidate for the position.
- Request an interview or meeting to discuss the position further and include appropriate contact information should the employer have questions.
While a well-written cover letter and great resume are often enough to score an interview, you may not always hear an immediate response. Sending a thank you note to your prospective employer, thanking them for taking the time to review your application, will keep your qualifications fresh in their mind and is not at all inappropriate.
Whether you’re needing search engine optimized web content or searching for tips about writing the perfect cover letter, be sure to subscribe to the Priceless Writers Blog in your favorite reader so you don’t miss a post!
