Career Advice for Job Seekers

How to write an effective cover letter

William Frierson AvatarWilliam Frierson
October 1, 2014


Cover letter corkboard word concept with great terms such as hr, resume, attention and more

Cover letter corkboard word concept with great terms such as hr, resume, attention and more. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Usually, the cover letter is the first opportunity you have to impress the prospective employer and secure an interview, but not getting the job. The letter explains why the company should consider your CV. It is a reflection of your ability to communicate in writing, because by this you “speak” to the person who is recruiting.

The letter:
– Must be written in computer unless a handwritten letter particular request.
– Should not extend more than one page. Separate the text into short paragraphs for easy reading.
– It is an opportunity to emphasize the benefits that your skills and competencies generated for the company.
– Misspellings are unacceptable

Contact
These data are on the letterhead of the letter. This should be clear how the recruiter can contact you.

Includes:

  • Name
  • Full Address
  • Landline number
  • Mobile phone number (optional)
  • E-mail (optional)

Right direction
The address should include:

  • Name and title of the person who will review the application
  • Name and full address of the company

A cover letter specifically addressed to the employer always produces a good impression. You may have to call the company to find out if they received your application.

The body of the letter
First paragraph: Introduce yourself, explaining the reason why you write. Specifies the requested position and how you got information about the company and the position.

Second paragraph: Explain why you consider yourself the best candidate for this position. Tell how your experience and background fit the profile of the position and how you can contribute to the business objectives of the company once they hire you. Always mention the CV at least once in the body of the presentation. Describe your most prominent personality traits. The original announcement always includes a list of skills required by the employer. Be sure to refer to two or three.

Third paragraph: Thank the reader for his consideration. Indicate where and when you can be reached to arrange an interview. Feel free to mention you’ll do a follow up by phone for the next week.

If possible, mention your references, as recommendations to strengthen your credibility with a potential employer, and increases the chances of being called for an interview.

What to do and what to avoid doing…

  • Use the same type of paper the letter to the SC.
  • The letter should be addressed to a particular person, not a charge.
  • Adapt the letter of agreement for the post and the company. It should not look like a letter “type”.
  • Use action verbs to describe what you’ve done.
  • Experience using different words. If you think that a paragraph is not written perfectly, try writing otherwise.
  • Show enthusiasm for the job.
  • Demonstrates concern and pride in your profession.
  • Projected energy and enthusiasm.
  • Keep a balance between professionalism and friendliness.
  • Ask a friend or a relative to review your letter. Allow them to make recommendations and / or corrections.
  • Please indicate where you can contact.
  • Do not fill the card with too many facts, especially if they are not relevant to the job. Employers are not interested in the long story of your life.
  • Do not use colored paper or print it to color.
  • Do not use “clip art”, photos or graphics.

Facing the interview
If you are called for an interview, and possibly the employer is interviewing several qualified applicants. The interviews range from simple unstructured meetings a structured interview process with predetermined questions and answers.

The interviewer is interested in three things:

  1. You can do the job.
  2. You want to do the job.
  3. You are committed to the job.

And by your side, you’re interested to know if this company is right for you and your career goals!

Author Bio

Joe works as a writer for one of the best UK dissertation writing help service on internet. Dissertation Planet helps students who are looking for services to do my dissertation and dissertation writing help. Joe has helped many students in writing, editing and proofreading their essays and dissertations and helping them achieve first class standard through professionally written papers. His expertise lies in helping students decide what topic to write on.

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