Help Writing a Cover Letter

Although some job seekers believe a strong resume is all that matters, writing a cover letter is just as important as building a quality resume. A recruiter may receive so many employment applications for an open position that they won’t take the time to read resumes without a promising cover letter. In order to stay competitive in any job market, learning how to create a cover letter to complement your resume is crucial.

Before Writing a Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, just like any other piece of professional correspondence, there are steps to follow. The most important thing to remember is that you must update your resume before you can create an accurate cover letter. Think of the letter as a way to point out all any substantial qualifications and accomplishments from your resume. If you haven’t completed your resume yet, it’s easy to forget the most impressive elements.

Perform basic research on the potential employer before writing a cover letter. While the majority of the letter is your introduction to why you’re perfect for the position, you also want to demonstrate that you are serious about working for their company. Within a few sentences, you can establish why you want to work at this company instead of anywhere else and which position interests you. After that, you’re ready to discuss your qualifications.

Common Mistakes When Writing a Cover Letter

Rookie and seasoned job seekers alike can make critical mistakes when writing a cover letter. If you have time, consider having a few friends review it for errors or awkward phrasing. When you must proof your own employment letter, pay special attention to:

• Addressee. A person is reading your application, so make sure you learn the name and address your cover letter accordingly.
• Content. You should highlight your most impressive accomplishments in the cover letter, not repeat your resume. Skip listing your previous employers and instead stick to how your experience fits the job requirements.
• Grammar. Many hiring managers won’t consider an applicant who overlooks typos, misspellings or grammar mistakes.
• Sentence Structure. Avoid repetition by starting sentences with different words.
• Signature. When writing a cover letter you’ll send in hard copy, always make sure you sign it by hand. Your digital signature is acceptable for email cover letters.

Above all else, make sure you remember to attach the letter to online applications. Spending time writing a cover letter is useless if it never gets to the potential employer.