MeKnows

You may have the best resume and be well qualified for the job you are applying for, but if you have a poor cover letter then you just made yourself look less than ideal in the eyes of the employer or the recruiters. Your cover letter is an introduction that’s should tell the people reading it that your resume is worth-reading about. Therefore, it should attract the employer’s attention in such a way that you are presenting your resume in a formal and modest manner.

You may follow the simple steps on how to write a cover letter below:

Step 1

Write or update your resume first. It must have a clear outline of the position you are applying for.

Step 2

Conduct some research about the company. You will need to gather some facts that could help you write an optimized cover letter. You should take note of the company’s founder, its mission, values and its difference from other companies within the same market.

Step 3

Examine the job you’re applying for carefully. Thoroughly read the job description and take note of the qualities of a person they are looking for.

Step 4

Be sure to check you knowledge of the elements of a good cover letter. You may check online for sample or you may follow the steps below:

• Your Address—located at the upper, right-hand corner of the page.
• Date—skip four lines from your address. The date must be in formal format and must be inline with your address; at the right.
• Company Address—skip four lines from the date and enter the company address at the left. The first like should be the title or the name of the CEO, Manager or Supervisor followed by the proper and correct address of the company.
• Salutation—skip four lines from company address. If you don’t know who you are sending the letter to, ask someone you know about the name of the superior. Send the letter to a specific person. Don’t use “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam” as they show lack of resourcefulness.
• Body—the body of your letter must be composed of three or four paragraphs. If possible, don’t write more than one page cover letter.

Step 5

Make the body of your letter concise and direct.

• In your first paragraph, tell the employer your purpose why you are writing to them. Be unique by avoiding the use of the common opening like “I would like to apply for the position of _______.”
• Your second and third paragraphs should focus more on selling yourself by highlighting your abilities, work experiences, aptitude, etc…Be enthusiastic but do not sound like you are boasting.
• The fourth paragraph will serve as your closing statement. Direct the employer to your resume. Thanking the employer for their time is advised.

Step 6

Conclude you letter formally. You may use “Yours sincerely” if you have named a person in addressing your letter. Otherwise, use “Regards” and “Yours faithfully”.

Step 7

Proofread and recheck your cover letter.

• Check for the misspelled words from heading to its conclusion.
• Check your grammar in the body and never use contractions like “I’ve” instead write “I have” for formality sake.
• Be sure to use one page.
• Maintain a positive tone.

If you can do all these things in your letter, you will have the best cover letter to go with the best resume.