Crafting your cover letter

I’ve always found the cover letter to be the most challenging and stress full bit about applying for jobs. This short overview of (key) requirements may help.

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of resume sending is the cover letter (or these days, the e-mail). The cover letter is your chance to make your first impression. A properly written letter should grab the employer’s attention and help set the stage for a personal interview.

Here are simple instructions and a few tips and suggestions for writing a quality cover letter.

How to Write a Cover Letter

The first paragraph of your cover letter should explain why you are writing and what position you are applying for. This paragraph should be concise while at the same time showing your knowledge of the position and the company. Use this opportunity to make a connection to the reader.

“I am writing to apply for the Jr. Typist position. I first learned of XYZ, Inc. after reading the ‘Top 100 Left Handed Work Environments’ in Forbes magazine. Being an advocate for left handed rights, I decided right away that XYZ, Inc. would be a perfect match.”

The second paragraph of your cover letter is generally the “meat and potatoes.” This paragraph should explain to the employer why you are qualified for the position. The first sentence should be your power statement on why you are a match for the position. Follow the first sentence with 2 to 3 specific accomplishments or traits that support your argument. This is not the time for your life story, so list your most relevant, impressive experience. Do not copy these statements word for word from your resume, instead take the opportunity to craft a more conversational tone. The final sentence of this paragraph should summarize your argument while mentioning the position again. Bring it all back home.

“My uncanny ability to find solutions to common left-handed issues has made me the ‘go-to’ member of our local Left Handers Community Center. I have been published in three of the last four quarterly newsletters, and have recently been awarded member of the decade. Next fall, I will graduate with a masters in Left Handed Literature. With these experiences, I feel that I would instantly be able to contribute to your Typist division at XYZ Inc.

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