Your cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer, so it needs to capture one's attention. It should not restate what is in your resume; it should highlight those attributes which would make an employer take notice. Your resume should complement your cover letter by clearly listing your your experience, educational background, and professional credentials.

First of all, it has to be well-written. As a college professor who lectures students on the proper format of a cover letter, it should employ proper spacing and margins. The body of the letter should be single-spaced and feature one inch margins all-around. You should use a size twelve Arial font, which should be used in typing the resume, as well. Spelling and punctuation errors must be absent.

Secondly, the opening paragraph needs to specify the position being applied for, and it was brought to your attention. It is possible the company you are writing to may be looking to fill more than one position. They would also appreciate being made aware of the advertisement that attracted you in the first place.

Thirdly, specify those qualifications appearing on your resume that make you the best candidate for the position. Make certain the career objective that in your resume correlates with the position you are applying for.

Finally, close your cover letter by providing a telephone number you can readily be contacted for further information, or to schedule an interview. Your signed signature should appear above your typed signature, and should include the appropriate abbreviations for any earned credentials. For example, if you are a licensed massage therapist, add the abbreviation "LMT" after your signature. If you earned a college degree, then add the appropriate abbreviation that denotes the degree ("AS" for Associate of Science
degree, for example).

A well-written cover letter and resume are essential tools for acquiring the position that best suits one's KSAs.

Learn more about this author, Leslie Schwab.
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