Write a Great Cover Letter

The first thing that a potential employer will see on your cover letter is the format. this first impression will set the tone and attention that your letter will receive. Make sure your letter has a crisp, clean format and clean, clear content.

Here is the breakdown of how to write a great cover letter:

Return Address

Place your return address at the top, left margin. It should look like this:

Your Full Name
123 My Street
Hometown, MI 48331
(313) 987-6541
Email@provider.com

Today’s Date

Next you should add the date of your letter with one line space between it and your return address. Do not abbreviate the date. Use the format: December 21, 2012.

Recipient Address

After adding another line space you should include as much recipient address information that you have. Use this format:

Place your return address at the to, left margin. It should look like this:

Ms. Jane Smith (use their formal name not their nickname)
Manager
Important Corporation
456 Their Avenue
Work City, CA 94321
(800) 776-6554

If you do not have a name you can use “Hiring Manager”  or leave it blank.

Salutation

If you now the recipients name you should use it in a formal way such as “Dear Mr. Whatshisname” or “Dear Ms. Whosit.”  Otherwise using “Dear Sir or Madam” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is the acceptable practice.

Main Body

First Paragraph

In your first paragraph you need to say what position you are applying for and where you learned about the position. This is also a good time to grab their attention and tell them something that will interest them in reading further.

Second Paragraph

This is where you make a few relevant points about how you meet the job postings requirements. Mention a few of your qualifications but do not rephrase your resume. Try to use fresh examples that will say something about how you can do the job.

Closing Paragraph

In your closing paragraph you need to thank the reader for their time and inform them of any follow up action you plan to take. Some postings do not allow for follow up. In these cases you can simply show your enthusiasm for the new opportunity.

What ever you write, avoid sounding desperate. Remember that you are focusing on your strengths. Also remember to use Action Verbs when describing yourself.

Closing

Keep your closing simple. Using “Sincerely,” will suffice. Leave room for you signature and then type your name. Use at the very least your first and last name.

Proofread & Send

Proofread your letter to ensure it is free of errors. Have a friend read it if you can. Use a white 9″x12″ envelope for mailing your letter and resume because it will most likely be scanned when it arrives. Standard business envelopes will leave creases from the folds and may induce errors in the scanned file.

Writing unique letters can be difficult and time consuming but, they will get better attention than form letters or hastily sent cover letters.