Writing Effective Cover Letters
ningcontentFor the college graduate seeking entry level employment opportunities, knowing how to write an effective cover letter is a very valuable skill. Your resume introduces you to the business world but your cover letter is what personalizes it and introduces you to the company you propose to work for.
Cover letters should be kept short and to the point. The letter should introduce you and explain why you are interested in the entry level positions the company may have available as well as what you feel you can bring to the company. Your resume will substantiate your claims but the cover letter puts them on the table.
Because a cover letter is so vital to how your resume will be received, there are a few points to which you should pay extra attention. First, make sure the cover letter is addressed to the proper person. If you want a job in the accounting department, address the cover letter directly to the person in charge of that department including proper titles. This not only shows respect. It also indicates that you have took the time to research the information and displays your character as being motivated and thinking.
Secondly, pay attention to grammar and spelling in your cover letter because these two things speak volumes about you and can be determining factors in whether you receive an entry level job offer or get laughed at around the water cooler at Christmas. Even professional writers make mistakes so use the spell check function on your word processing program and have a friend read the finished product over for grammatical errors.
Finally, be certain to use a good quality paper and a clear font to make your cover letter more noticeable and easy to read. By following these suggestions, you can write effective cover letters that will help you to obtain an entry level job.
