Writing a cover letter

Writing a Cover Letter
(Written by Neha Bawa – BestLogic Staffing)

A well-written cover letter should answer the question that’s foremost on every employer’s mind: why should I hire you? And it’s a really good question to ask, especially since every single applicant is competing for the same opportunity.

A good cover letter doesn’t get you the job – but it does get you to the interview. And that’s all you’re striving for in the first stages of your job search.

To begin with, the format is important. The header should be left-indented and include yours and the company’s identifying information. For example:

YOUR ADDRESS (City, State and Zip Code)
YOUR PHONE NUMBER (xxx-xxx-xxxx)
YOUR EMAIL
TODAY’S DATE
EMPLOYER/HIRING MANAGER’S NAME
TITLE
COMPANY NAME
ADDRESS
DEAR (Mr./ Ms.) EMPLOYER: (Salutation)

While writing a cover letter may be daunting, or even overwhelming, it’s easier to write one if the whole is broken down into its parts, paragraph by paragraph.
In the first paragraph, identify yourself, the position you’re applying for and why you’re interested in that position.

The second paragraph of your cover letter should address exactly why you’re qualified for that position. That is, use that space to highlight your specific skills, achievements and experiences. The key word here is “specific”. According to the Trinity College cover letter writing handout, you can cite specific jobs and accomplishments associated with your experiences. But, be careful to not quote your resume word for word.
Finally, in the last paragraph, refer to the enclosed resume and specifically state when you will follow up to inquire about an interview.

For example:
“I have enclosed my resume and references for your review, and I will follow up with your office in one week to discuss the possibility of scheduling an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
Your signature
Your Name

Enclosure(s)”
In short, to help you get to the interview, a cover letter should: -
· Be short, specific and simple,
· Bring forth your experience and talent in a paragraph or two, and
· Highlight your writing and communication skills.

Make sure to check out our websites:
www.BestLogicstaffing.com & www.assemblemyresume.com