Today’s job market is competitive and hiring managers are looking for ways to quickly screen out resumes. Resumes that don’t include a cover letter are typically passed over for those that do.
Use the cover letter as a compliment to your resume. Think of it as an introduction, a shaking of the hands between you and the employer. It is the one place where you sell your skills and qualifications showing the employer that you are the person for the job.
You can easily gain an understanding of how to write a cover letter for a resume by searching for examples or samples of them online. Don’t copy them word for word, but use them as a guide in creating your own personalized cover letter.
All resume cover letters are written in a business style format. This
free sample cover letter for a resume
is a good resource to follow when creating yours. The tips below will have you writing a professional cover letter in no time:
The cover letter should be no more than 1 page in length.
Include the four elements to a successful cover letter: salutation, introduction, body, and conclusion.
Address it to a specific person when possible.
Grab the employer’s attention in the first paragraph using action words. Inform them of the position you’re applying for and if you know someone don’t forget to mention their name.
Don’t repeat your resume in the body. Do highlight a couple of your key skills that pertain directly to the open position. Show how your skills will assist the organization in obtaining their goals.
Close by thanking them for their time, telling them you look forward to the interview and that you will be following up with them.
There it is – your key to getting your resume noticed. A well written, carefully typed, error free cover letter will set your resume apart from all the others.
