Your cover letter is often the first contact with an employer so make sure it creates a good impression. A good cover letter can encourage your prospective employer to consider your resume. It is as important as your resume, so take time to make it perfect. Researching about the company you want to work for before writing it will help you to target your cover letter to the job you are applying for.
Your cover letter should not duplicate your CV (Curriculum Vitae). Avoid meaningless or wordy expressions. Use spell checker and grammar checker to write an error free cover letter. If you are sending your resume via email, include the cover letter and resume as one document. It will be more convenient for the recipient. When posting or hand delivering your CV, you don't make the recipient open two envelopes so there is no reason to make the online reader open two documents.
Email cover letters are usually shorter than traditional one, so take advantage of the subject line to make your email stand out. Keep the paragraphs short, and bullet point whenever possible. Keep in mind that the person reading the cover letter is probably pushed for time and has read a lot of job letters. Make sure to include your full name and contact information.
Here are some useful tips on how to write an effective resume cover letter to apply for a job.
1. Take time to write a targeted cover letter for each employer. Customize each cover letter you write, so that it specifically relates your skills to the job you are applying for.
2. Use a professional salutation: Dear Mr. Johnson.
3. Mention the title of the position you are applying for. This way the person reading your cover letter will know which job you are interested in.
4. Mention where you heard about the job position. And if there is a job ID number, list that.
5. State your interest in the job. Explain the reasons for your interest in the organization. Let the employer know why you are interested in his/her company.
6. Identify your most relevant skills and experiences for the job you are applying for. Don't just duplicate your resume. Rather, include the skills that most match the job.
7. Refer to the qualifications for the position and illustrate how your abilities relate. Emphasize your achievements.
8. Specify how you will follow-up, typically with a phone call or an email. Thank the company for their consideration.
9. If you know someone in the company, check if this person can give you a recommendation. If you can reference an employee and his recommendation in your letter, this may help you get to the next step- an interview!
10. Proofread carefully before you send it to the company.
Mr. Shane Johnson, Sales Manager,
ABC Advertising, North Sydney, NSW 2060
March 10, 2009
Dear Mr. Shane Johnson
I was interested to see your advertisement seeking a new account service executive as I have been seeking just such an opportunity and believe my skills and experience would be a good match for ABC Advertising.
Please find my CV enclosed for your perusal. Of particular relevance is the five years I spent in a Melbourne advertising agency working in account service. I have a passion for client service and, as you will see from my resume, a good understanding of the sector I would be working in.
I look forward to having an opportunity to meet with you to further discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Yours sincerely,
Harry Watson
