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When sending out your resume to potential
employers, it is very important that you always include a cover letter. Failing
to include one simply appears unprofessional, whereas if you do include one,
it can serve as a powerful extra tool to sell yourself - allowing the employer to
gain an insight into who you are, how you communicate, and how you present yourself.
- If emailing your resume, it is generally
best to include the cover letter in the body of your email. It is also possible
to attach it to the email, but many employers prefer no attachments in emailed job
applications.
- If you mailing or faxing
your resume, the cover letter
should precede the resume itself.
Here are some tips to ensure your cover letter has maximum impact:
- Make sure your cover letter is addressed to the appropriate person. Ideally the job
advert or job description will give you the name of that person. If it does not, you
can try to research who to contact by calling the company or looking on their web site.
If you still don't know, address the letter to the specific team listed as the contact. Avoid using
generic statements such as "To whom it may concern", or job titles such as
"To the human resources manager".
- Write a cover letter specifically for the particular job that you are applying for. You should,
for example, mention the job title in the cover letter and why you believe you are the best person
for that job. Again, be specific, and do not simply say (or imply) that you are interested in any
available position.
- Make sure the cover letter explains both why you want the job, and what you can offer to the company.
This will show the employer that you are serious about the position, have thought about it, and will, if
you get it, be a positive advantage to your new employer.
- In your cover letter indicate that you intend to follow-up on the cover letter, and how you intend
to do so. Again, this shows you are serious about the position. You must of course follow-up in the way
that you said you would.
- Carefully proof-read your cover letter. Errors, typos and misspellings give a poor impression. It
can be difficult to spot errors in your own writing, so ask a friend or family member to double check it
for you.
- Remember that your cover letter is a sales tool: you want to sell yourself! That means be concise,
get to point, but most importantly of all, present yourself in the most positive light possible. For
example, you should briefly mention those qualifications which may you a perfect candidate for the job.
Even if you feel perhaps a little under-qualified, stress the positives and put your best foot forward!
Related Links:
- Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Cover Letter Creator! Just Click A Button, Fill In The Blanks And Voila... Out Pops A Brilliantly Worded And Perfectly Crafted Cover Letter 100% Customized For You!
- CareerAssist
We offer affordable, easy-to-use cover letter and resume builder software and resume and cover letter critique services
- Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed
"This do-it-yourself manual makes writing your own resume and cover letter a breeze... even for someone who's never written them before!"
- Sample Resumes
Resume and Cover Letter Samples Package.
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