Who Needs a Cover Letter?

If you are sending a resume, you need to send a cover letter as well. A cover letter is a personal introduction that accompanies your resume. Even if the job posting doesn’t specify submitting a cover letter, it’s expected that you submit one with your resume. Yes, this requires extra work on your part but consider this: the cover letter gives you another chance to emphasize what you can contribute to the company or organization.

What Should be Included in a Cover Letter?

Following are the key elements of a cover letter:

• Introduction - Whenever possible, indicate how you came to apply to the company, such as you are responding to an advertised opening, you identified the company through research, you read about the company or its executives in a publication, or the company was referred by a friend or colleague.
• Qualifications - It's important to illustrate your qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position. Use your cover letter to augment information contained in your resume but don't merely repeat it. Include a few strengths or personal qualities.
• End with an action - If it is an unadvertised position and the resume is unsolicited, indicate that you will follow up in a few days. If you are responding to an advertised position, indicate you are looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the success of the organization.

What Makes a Good Cover Letter?

When writing your cover letter, be sure it is tailored to the specific company. In your cover letter, specify how you can help the company. Use the following tips to create an eye-catching cover letter:

• Keep your cover letter to one page.
• No spelling or typing errors.
• Personalize your cover letter to an individual whenever possible. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. Add the necessary formality as well, such as “Mr.,” “Ms.,” “Ms.,” “Dr.,” etc.
• Include the company name and the recipient's name and title.
• Use the ad information to personalize your letter even if you are applying to a blind ad or box number. Show that you know something about the company and the industry.
• Craft your cover letter in your own words. Don’t copy and paste from sample cover letters to the point it sounds like a text book. Sound knowledgeable, enthusiastic and focused.
• Include keywords from the job posting. For example, if the qualifications specify “computer programming” and “Perl” and “SQL,” then make sure these keywords are included in your cover letter.

Make sure your cover letter contains each of these requirements, augments your resume, and illustrates how you can help the company or organization.