Cover Letters and Objectives
Writing a Successful Sample Cover Letter
Resumes are made from great templates. A sample cover letter will help you design a "killer" cover letter. It is important to keep your letter to one page. If you have to, use a size 11 font rather than a 12. Make sure you skip lines between paragraphs so your letter doesn't appear crowded.
It is a good idea to put your address and phone number on the top. Try and keep your letter to three paragraphs, making your sentences short and to the point. The prospective employer does not want to read flowery sentences. The person reading the letter will skim over it to see if anything catches their eye. Using bullets is a good, eye catching idea to make your points noticeable.
When writing your letter, don't try and impress your prospective employer by using big words. Do use industry related rhetoric. Tailor each letter you write to the specific job circumstances. The employer will realize that they are reading a purposeful, informed letter. Carefully read the job description and write your letter based upon the information you pull from the ad.
In the opening of your letter, use a formal title, such as Dr. or Mr. Try and direct your letter to a specific individual. You can always call the company and ask the receptionist for the name of the person who will read your cover letter and resume. Try and find a sample cover letter to match your job target.
Use high quality paper that matches your resume. Some job searchers use the same heading on their cover letter and resume. This helps unify the two documents. Your opening paragraph should be written with great care. This will set the tone for the rest of your letter.
Make sure you let them know exactly what position you are applying for. Let them know where you learned about the position. You may want to briefly mention what attracted you to the job opening in which you are submitting your application.
In the body for your letter, tell what your strongest attributions are and how your qualifications make you a good candidate for the job. You must use this opportunity to sell yourself to the prospective employer. Elaborate on your distinctive strengths and qualifications that you could bring to this position. This is not the time to be modest!
In the last paragraph, ask for that interview. Remember to use a sample cover letter as a template for a successful job search.