Cover Letter Tips


Here are a few tips to make your Cover Letter more effective:

  A tailored cover letter may be used to accompany a résumé. Address the letter to the contact person or to the Human Resources Director. Use standard business letter format. Use a font size of 10 to 14 points. Use non-decorative typefaces. Choose one typeface and stick to it. Cover letters should be individually typed and signed. Use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. Minimize jargon, abbreviations, and contractions and be concise. Check your letter for errors and grammatical correctness. Pay special attention to the job description as it provides specific cover letter instructions.

 While your résumé is a summary of your credentials, your cover letter can be an effective marketing tool.  Your aim is to demonstrate why your education, work experience, skills, and background uniquely qualify you for the position you're applying for.

A cover letter should contain three main sections: 

FIRST PARAGRAPH
  Identify the position for which you are applying. State how you learned of the position and why you are interested in the position or organization. 


SECOND PARAGRAPH
  Summarize why you are a strong candidate for the position. Target the job description and specifically discuss how your skills relate to the job requirements. Highlight one or two of your accomplishments or abilities that show you are an excellent candidate for the position. Detail positive characteristics and past experiences that illustrate how your qualifications will benefit the organization.


CLOSING PARAGRAPH
  Thank the person for considering your résumé and offer to provide additional information. Include your phone number and when you can be reached.