Resume Cover Letter Example

How Good Is Your Cover Letter

By Carla Vaughan

Ok, so you're looking for a job. You have finally trudged through the resume and now you need to write a cover letter. How on earth are you supposed to write a good cover letter when you think you already said everything in the resume?

Think about this:

The cover letter is the first thing that an employer is going to read. It is the precursor to the resume. Sure, the resume will outline your educational and experiential background, but it doesn't afford the flexibility of a cover letter.

Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to expand on your credentials and/or accomplishments in a way that the resume does not. You are able to explain situations so that the employer understands why, for instance, you have a 6 month gap in your employment dates. Also, if you state in your resume that you received a particular award, you can add more details in the cover letter (provided everything relates to the position you are seeking). Think of you cover letter as being less formal, albeit still professional.

When you write a cover letter, be sure to tailor it to the employer's needs by matching your abilities with those that the employer is seeking. Hopefully you also did this with your resume. Use active language and sell yourself (your skills and your accomplishments)

An effective cover letter requires some time and thought initially, but if it correctly guides the employer to your resume and the employer likes what is there, you stand a great chance of receiving a phone call for an interview.

When applying for a job opening with a new company many companies will require that you enclose a cover letter with your resume. Even if a company does not require that you enclose a cover letter it is always a good idea to include one with your resume. Including a cover letter will show your professionalism and if written correctly could get your resume noticed.

In this article we look at 5 things you need to include or leave out of your cover letter.

1. Leave your contact information off of the cover letter. All of your contact information needs to be contained in your resume. Putting your contact information on the cover letter will be redundant.

2. Somewhere in the cover letter let the company know what position that you are applying for. Do not assume that there is only one job opening at the company and make sure the person who is hiring knows exactly the opening you are interested in. Stating the position you are applying for will get your resume to the correct person or department.

3. The cover letter is announcing yourself as such, let the company know that you are interested in a position with their company and enclosed is a copy of your resume.

4. Make the cover letter short and sweet do not go into your qualifications and what you have accomplished in the past, this is what the resume if for. Most people will scan the cover letter so make is as easy as possible for them to decide what your information is regarding.

5. Have somebody review your cover letter and your resume before sending it out. The last thing you want on either of them is typos. Having typos on your resume will almost in every case get it thrown straight into the trash bin.

As you can see adding a cover letter is not that difficult. If you have a template set up on your computer than you can tailor each cover letter for each position you are applying for in a short amount of time.

You just read are 5 steps you can take to make sure that you have a good cover letter for any situation.

Now go out and get that job.

Here is an example of a good resume cover letter:

This bartender cover letter focuses on the applicant's experience and ability to mix hundreds to thousands of different kinds of drinks in a restaurant or hotel bar. To separate himself from others seeking the same job, he emphasizes his certification from a bartending school and his talent with people of all kinds, since bartenders generally converse with patrons and even offer advice and directions when requested. Bartender cover letters will help a job seeker land a job if written with enthusiasm and including specific details about his or her qualifications.

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Bob Byars
21 Forest Side Road
City Road, USA 23417

November 10, 2006

Mr. Jonathan Buckley
Hiring Manager
Highpoint View Restaurant and Bar
452 Highpoint Street
Any Town, USA 99999

Dear Mr. Buckley:

I saw the posting on JobBankUSA.com for employment as a bartender in your restaurant lounge. I live just minutes from your establishment, have certification from Bayside Bartending School and I'm known to be good with people. I enjoy conversation with patrons and I'm one to keep a close eye on their behavior. I will make sure no one under age is served and I will keep the bar free of offenders.

Professional bartenders are important to any restaurant and hotel so I want to assure you that you will not regret hiring me if you choose to do so. I'd be happy to meet with you in person if you'd like to get a feel for my personality and hear more about my experience. Please call 333-345-6787 for an appointment that works for your schedule. I'll be there.

I'm grateful for your time in considering this cover letter.

Sincerely,


Bob Byars

Enc: resume and cover letter