An effective cover letter
- introduces you to the reader
- identifies the poistion you are applying for
- acts as a bridge between the job vacancy and your resume
- acts as a marketing tool to earn an interview opportunity
Parts of cover letter
Introduction
- Identifies the position you are applying for
- Tells how you learn about this position
- Include your special interest in this position
Body
- Highlight your most important qualifications
- Describe points that may be of special interest to the employers
- Include information on your degree, major, certification and experience..
Closing
- Indicate your interest in having an interview or the next step you plan to take
- Inform that your resume is closed
- Thank the reader
- Closed by "Sincerely yours, ...." since a cover letter is a business letter!
Tips for cover letter
- Check, check, and check
- Keep to one page
- Use standard business letter format
- Center letter on paper
- Use a font style and size that is easy to read
- Sign your letter
- Don't forget to put your resume with cover letter into the envelop!