What is a cover letter and, more importantly, what is a good cover letter?
We know that sending a resume without a cover letter is generally a waste of time. The resume rarely gets read or receives the attention it deserves.
Providing concrete evidence of your skills and competencies as they relate to the job opportunity in a well constructed cover letter is an essential step in your successful job search.
Take the right steps to construct a letter that gets you the job interview.
Yes, a cover letter is necessary. Employers are pressed for time. They are likely to ignore resumes that arrive without a cover letter for 2 main reasons:
When your competition has taken the time to compile a well written and targeted cover letter and you haven't, your job application will go to the bottom of the pile.
How do I write a good cover letter?
Follow these four steps to write a cover letter that grabs attention, creates interest, turns the interest into action.
1. Get the reader's attention
2. Stimulate the reader's interest
"I am confident that my experience and skills closely match your job requirements."
"I am enthusiastic about the positive contribution I can make to XYZ Company."
3. Turn interest into desire
4. Convert desire to action
Phrases that create a strong closing include:
"I will call you next week to be sure you received my resume and to answer any questions you may have."
"I look forward to learning more about your company and how I can contribute to the success of your department."
"You can reach me at ... to arrange an interview. I know that your time invested in meeting with me will be well rewarded."
Start your cover letter with a powerful phrase that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Examples include:
"Your recent job posting for a secretary on XYZ.com has captured my interest and enthusiasm. I am confident that my experience and skills closely match your job requirements, particularly my ..."
"I am very interested in the accounting position you posted on your company website and believe I have the qualifications to successfully fulfill your requirements..."
Knowing what is a cover letter and how to write a convincing letter is key to your job search success.
Use the selection of free cover letters to help you.
Essential Cover Letter Pages
Create a job-winning resume with these sample resumes
Job Descriptions
Use these job descriptions to help you develop your cover letter.
By answering the question "What is a Cover Letter" you can determine exactly what should be included in your resume or job application cover letter.