Resume Cover Letter
Author: Dax Cheng

A resume cover letter is a letter accompanying your resume in job application. It is a very influential tool to get an interview. Since the average job opening usually gets around 200 applications of more, the hiring personnel will usually shortlist the applications. The applications without any letter are the first ones to go. The logic is that if you are too lazy to write one, you’ll be too lazy to work.

The next to go are the poorly written cover letters. The logic is the same, if you are too lazy to write a good one, you’ll be too lazy to do a good job too. If they are happy with it, then they will look at your resume. After that the shortlist is completed.

So how do you write a good cover letter?

Follow these rules.



Always write to a specific person, not "to whom it may concern", or Dear Sir/Madam". To find out, call the HR department and find out whom the HR manager is, or the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work under. Use your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you?
Always make sure you are 100% correct in spelling, grammar and facts. If you are not very good, get someone to edit the letter.
Research the target organization and include information or facts relating to your would be job or industry.
Analyze the job. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for.
Address how you will meet the employers' needs.
Use a strong opening sentence. Do not use the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of ?advertised in ?quot;. For example, if the job is for a sales manager, write something like "A proven track record in developing new business and increasing sales?quot; Design you opening to get the person to really read what you can do. Address the employers' needs identified earlier.
In the body of the letter, show them that you can meet the needs of the employer. Use the job advertisement and your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you find out what are the important skills required for that job?
Make your cover letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (unless you are in the arts.)
Be concise. This is not you autobiography. Keep it to one page.
Conclude the letter with "the contributions I'll bring to your company ?quot;






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dax Cheng is an author and business coach, who helps professionals get on the fast track to career success with business writing. Visit his website at http://www.writing-business-letters.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to return to the articles summary page.