One Size Doesn't Fit All When It Comes To A Great Cover Letter

Debating on whether or not you should send a cover letter with your resume submission? The simple answer to this question is "Yes" you should send a cover letter with every resume, even though the employer may not have indicated you should do so in the job advertisement. Additionally, just as each resume sent to an employer should be uniquely crafted and tailored to the position you are applying for, every cover letter sent with the resume should also be one of a kind. One size fits all doesn't work here.

A well written cover letter, although requiring a great deal of time and effort, affords its writer the opportunity to put extra emphasis on what they have to offer a particular company or organization. It can also demonstrate to an employer that its writer is worthy of a second look. Here is a list of what a first-rate cover letter entails:

1. Proofread and ensure there are no typographical or spelling mistakes. It should be flawless! Ask others to review it for you and then put it aside for a few hours and then review it again. Remember to use spell check and review it for bad grammar.

2. Your cover letter should always be addressed to the person in charge of hiring at the business. A cover letter and resume sent to "Company Hiring Manager" or "Attention: Personnel Department" is in bad taste and will have a tougher time getting where it needs to go, often ending up in the employer's "File 13". So, take the time to call the employer and inquire as to whom you should address your letter. Ensure that you have correctly spelled the person's name and attached a proper title such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", and "Ms."

3. Take extra time to thoroughly research the company or organization and the position. Demonstrate somewhere in your letter that you are familiar with the organization by possibly aligning yourself in your letter with their mission statement.

4. Write the letter using your own words, avoid terms that are overused and dated, and be sure to use phrases that exhibit enthusiasm and focus. You can use a Thesaurus to find words that are not overused and best fit you and then place them in your letter.

5. Use language and expressions in your letter that will be significant to the employer (you can find this information by reviewing their website and reading about the company and what they do) and then carefully contrast your experience with that of the position's qualifications.

6. Provide current, accurate personal contact information and along with your availability to be contacted by the employer in the final paragraph of your letter. If you are only available to take calls in the morning, be sure that you convey that information to the employer. Give them a good email address also.

Once you have forwarded your letter to the employer, allow time for cover letter and resume submission to reach its destination and fall into the right hands. This may take some time and follow up with the employer should be done no sooner than five working days after you have sent it. A good cover is the formal invitation for resume review, so craft it with care.

C.A. Stapleton, A.S., B.S., M.B.A., is an experienced professional resume writer, career consultant, and career coach. Get more information @ http://www.vet2work.com/ or http://www.naturallysilver.com/ Copyright. All rights reserved Worldwide.