Cover Letter for Resume

The purpose of a cover letter for a resume is to introduce you to an employer, give them a frame of reference, and provide a sample of your writing ability. Some employers focus on the cover letter, others focus on the resume. Make sure that you invest time in developing both, and you will present yourself in a more professional light.

Once you have developed a cover letter you are happy with, hang on to it with both hands. The body of the letter will always highlight and showcase the key points you wish to stress, and then all you will need to do is personalize it to fit an employers specific needs. Keep the following things in mind when developing your cover letter.

There are two types of cover letters that can be used in your job search.

A cover letter of application is written when applying for a specific position that has been advertised or referred. Make sure to state the source of the position.

A cover letter of inquiry is written to gain an understanding about the employer and the availability of positions within the organization. This type of cover letter is used when you do not have background information on the employer and/or possible positions or programs that currently exist in the organization.

Be Specific

Always address your letter to a specific person or title. “To Whom it May Concern,” or “Dear Sir or Madam,” just doesn’t cut it any more. Call the company to find out who to address the letter to. Ask how to spell the person’s name, what his/her title is, and if you aren’t sure, if the person is a he or a she. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you can’t find out who to send the letter to, address it to a specific position, such as “Hiring Manager.”

Sum It Up

Make your cover letter short, sweet and to the point. Many times people go on and on in a cover letter, even though the average amount of time it will be in the employer’s hands is 8 seconds. Prove that you can showcase your abilities, skills, and strengths concisely. The employer will appreciate it.

Writing Skills

Unlike a resume, a cover letter requires complete sentences, which sometimes makes it more challenging to write. Don’t rely on spell check and grammar check. Getting a few different people to look at your cover letter (and resume, while you’re at it) is invaluable.
Use business letter format, typed in an eye-pleasing, easy-to-read font, printed on the same bond paper used for your resume. Use words you are comfortable with, and that reflect who you are. Don’t try to make yourself sound like someone else.

Follow these guidelines for creating a cover letter for a resume and you are sure to make the proper impression.