Cover Letter Basics
Cover Letters are not only a requirement for many job applications, but also a very effective way to highlight your personality. These letters also follow a very specific format to ensure their effectiveness. When submitting a resume via e-mail, your cover letter should be the body of your e-mail while maintaining the same format with a formal greeting and closing. See the examples available below.
A few things to remember when writing your cover letter:
- Always try to find out the name of the person to whom the letter should be directed. This looks impressive and is better than "Dear Sir".
- Do your homework! With access to company information as easy as logging on in most instances, look up information about the company's financial situation, new initiatives or company traditions. Use this information to explain how you can help them fulfill their goals or support the mission of the company.
- Be sure to check your spelling and punctuation.
- Make this letter "POP"! Remember in most instances they will be reading the cover letter first. It needs to "tease" the employer into wanting to read more about you…specifically your resume.
- Cover letter paper should match that of your resume.
- Send everything together, don't make the employer hunt to match cover letter, resume and references.
