A resume cover letter can be just as important as your resume. In many cases, your cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview and having your resume ignored. Before you submit a resume for any job you should take the time to prepare a good cover letter.
Remember, as you prepare your cover letter, that they can be written a few different styles. If you are submitting your resume for a position that you know is open then you should include an application cover letter. If you are unsure if the company is hiring but would like to pursue employment with them, you will need to send a prospecting cover letter. The last type of cover letter is the networking cover letter. This type of cover letter is used if you are asking for information and help in the hopes of gaining employment.
You should send the cover letter type that fits your particular intentions with the company. Form cover letters may seem to be an easy fix but they are not specific enough to do the job right. You want your cover letter to included information that is specific to the company or position that you are applying for. You should also include information about why your abilities would be a good fit for the job that you are applying for.
Another help tip when writing a cover letter is to do a bit of research about the company you are sending your letter and resume to. Knowing about the company and the specific position demonstrate that you are highly interested because you have taken extra time and effort to learn about your prospective employer.
An effective cover letter addresses three general issues. The first paragraph should explain why you are writing. If you were referred by someone you should mention the contact by name. If you are responding to a job posting explain how you learned of the position and always include the title of the job.
The second paragraph should be all about what you can bring to the company. Your experience and your skills that pertain to the position that is open should be explained in this paragraph. Your education and particular strong points that would be beneficial to the company should be explained in detail.
The final paragraph in the cover letter should explain what you will do to follow up about the position. You should give them a specific time frame that they should expect a follow up phone call or email from you. Be sure that the time frame that you provide them is convenient for you as well. You do not want to give a time frame and then not meet it.
You should also tell them that you have a list of references available and will provide them upon their request. Some businesses prefer not to have follow up calls or emails so you may wish to ask them to contact you if you are unsure about their follow up policies.
By submitting a cover letter with your resume you will be giving yourself additional time to convince the reader that you are a good choice for their company. They will see from your resume that you are qualified and from your cover letter that you are able to communicate well in writing. Many positions require a person that can write well and be understood in their writing abilities. Providing an employer with a cover letter may mean the difference between getting an interview and beginning a fresh start at a great new company.



