by L.E. Duncan

Created on: March 29, 2008

Your cover letter is your first-impression and introduction to a hiring manager and must stand out against others if you wish to be competitive. Your cover letter should be a very brief summary that tells the reader that your skills, training and experience not only meet their needs, but are indispensable to the success of their organization.

Your goal while compiling your cover letter and resume is to get an interview. Your goal should be to get in front of someone in a hiring position and sell yourself to that person. Your cover letter is the first step in that sales process. Keep your cover letter concise, professional and confident.

It is critical that you take the time to write an effective cover letter. The letter should be tailored not only to the organization which you are applying, but to the position itself. Constructing qualification, skill and experience oriented cover letters, will give yourself the advantage in any job market.

Your cover letter should communicate three critical elements.

1.Identify the job you are applying for and where you found the job opening. If you were referred by an employee of the company, state it.
2.Explain how your experience and skill sets match the position you are applying for.
3.A closing statement that states your desire to be employed by this specific company and your intentions of following up on the job opening.

Cover letters should be formatted as a standard business letter. Do not repeat the contents of your resume. You should always attempt to address the cover letter to an individual. If you are unable to locate or obtain an individual with hiring authority to address the letter to, address the letter to the hiring manager or Human Resource Manager of the organization.

Always write professionally. Misspelled words, typographical errors or improper grammar shows a lack of attention to detail. Your cover letter should correspond to the resume you send with it. The letter should be no longer than one page. Preferably, three paragraphs at the most.

Do your research. Speak to the reader in a conversational tone that has confidence and knowledge of the organization. Remember, the purpose of the cover letter is to get the interview. If you have time constraints that limits when you can interview, do not mention it in the cover letter.

Your cover letter is the organization's and the hiring manager's first impression of you. If you have done your research, you will be able to convey confidently that your skills are needed

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