Writing a Cover Letter Tips and Instructions

A cover letter is used for applying for a job, position, or scholarship. Anytime you need to provide a resume, you should also submit a cover letter.

Parts of a cover letter… Contact Information The first section of a written or uploaded cover letter should include your contact information: Your Name Your Address Your City, State, Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Cell Phone Number Your Email Address

Parts of a cover letter… Employer Contact Information If you have contact information for the employer, list it below your contact information. If not, leave this section off your cover letter.

Parts of a cover letter Cover Letter Salutation It's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message. If you have a contact person for your letter, be sure to include their name in your letter.

Parts of a cover letter… Body of Cover Letter The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up. This section of your cover letter should include: First Paragraph - Why you are writing Middle Paragraphs - What you have to offer the employer (be specific) Final Paragraph - How you will follow-up

Parts of a cover letter… Cover Letter Closure When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your letter in a professional manner.

Little things make a difference. When you need to write a cover letter, it's sometimes the small things that make a big difference. Review these tips and techniques for writing top notch cover letters to send with your resume, including format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and examples and templates.

Select a type of cover letter. There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects how you are applying for the job or the type of job search assistance you are requesting. Your cover letter should be designed specifically for the purpose you are writing and customized for each position you seek.

Format your cover letter. How you format your cover letter, both from a content (the information you include) and a presentation (what your cover letter looks like) perspective is important. Even when applying online or via email, your cover letter needs to be properly formatted, readable, and without any mistakes.

Review cover letter examples. Take the time to review cover letter examples, then make sure that your letter explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Start from a cover letter template. A cover letter template can be a good way to get started writing cover letters to send with resumes when you apply for jobs. Use a cover letter template as a starting point for creating your own personalized cover letter.

Write a custom cover letter. It can be time consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort to show the company why you are a good match.

Write a personalized cover letter. When it comes to cover letters, taking the time to get personal is really important. Find out as much as you can about the company and the hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter and, if you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.

Send an e-mail cover letter. The most important part of sending an email cover letter is to follow the employer's instructions. If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an attachment, attach Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to your email message.

Address your cover letter properly. How to address a cover letter can be tricky if you are responding to a blind ad and don't have a contact person's name to include or you don't know the hiring manager's gender. Here's how to address a cover letter: Dear Mr. Jones Dear Jane Doe Dear Hiring Manager To whom it may concern Dear Human Resources Manager Dear Sir or Madam

Send your cover letter as an attachment. When you apply for jobs via email, you may need to send your resume and cover letter as an attachment. It's important to send your cover letter and resume attachments correctly, to include all the information you need so your email message is read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview. Here's how to send a cover letter as an attachment:

As an attachment… The most important part of sending an email cover letter is to follow the employer's instructions. If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an attachment, attach Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to your email message. Save the files with your name, so they don't get mixed up with other applicant's materials

In the e-mail body… When the employers requests a cover letter and resume in the body of an email message, paste your cover letter and resume into your email message. Use a basic font and remove the formatting. Don't use HTML. You don't know what email client the employer is using, so, simple is best because the employer may not see a formatted message the same way you do.

Don’t forget the details. Be sure to include a Subject Line in your email with the position for which you are applying and your name. For example: Alison Doyle, Social Media Manager Position. Include a signature with all your contact information - name, address, phone, and email address, so it's easy for the hiring manager to get in touch with you. Send the email message to yourself first to test that the formatting works. If everything looks good, resend to the employer.

Explain an employment gap. When you have recent gaps in your resume, whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap.

If you need more help… This is a video that may answer any further questions you have regarding cover letters: http://video.about.com/jobsearch/Cover-Letter-Writing-Tips.htm