Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter often seems difficult task, but it isn't. If you research about how to write a cover letter and study sample cover letters you will soon become the expert in writing good cover letters. Your cover letter can make difference between getting interview and having your application ignored. Every cover letter is sent with a resume. It's not compulsory to send cover letter for everyone. It depends on circumstances. Sometimes employers request cover letter with applications. In that case, you have to write targeted cover letter particularly targeting job requirements. Good cover letter creates critical impression on prospective employer.

Cover letter is a complementary document for resume. It shouldn't include the similar info that is listed in resume. Its purpose is to construe data of a resume. You can include all the required information in cover letter that doesn't fit in resume rigid structure.

There are three general types of cover letters.

• The application letter: It's written for applying particular jobs that are advertised. Applicant knows the requirements of the job, company details and person who is going to read the cover letter. Application letter can be targeted for the position requirements.
• Prospecting letter: Prospecting letter is written for inquiring about available vacancies in a company.
• Networking Letter: Networking letter is written for asking assistance in your job search process.

Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose. A good cover letter demonstrates your skills and abilities. It tells the potential employer why you qualify for the job and why you are interested to work in his/her firm.

Usual cover letter consists of three sections. In the first section you need to explain why you are sending cover letter to the employer. In first paragraph, explain how you came to know about vacancy. If friends or acquaintances have referred you to the employer, mention their names in the cover letter. If you are writing cover letter in response to a job posting, explain where and when (Date of job posting) you read the job advertisement, title of the position and why you qualify for the job by stating relevant qualifications and experiences. Detailed explanation of all your credentials goes in second paragraph, where you tell the employer what you have to offer him. Try to convince the employer by listing most relevant credentials and qualifications. Show how your education and skills are transferable and still related to the job requirements. Accentuate your organizational skills and ability to deal with problems.

In the last paragraph of cover letter specify how will you follow up the employer. Tell the employer how he/she can reach you. What is the convenient time for contacting and how you are going to follow up? You may tell the employer that you will make phone call to set up a personal meeting. Make sure hiring manager received your application and he read it by contacting company. In some cases your application don't reach in the hands of recruiting manager for several reasons and you keeps waiting for a response.