Resume Cover Letter Writing

How To Write A Cover Letter For A Resume

How to Compel the Employer To Read Further

Resume cover letters are an important part of your job search strategy and every resume you send out should have one. The cover letter compliments your resume. It's an opportunity to pre-sell your skills and qualifications showing how you are the right person for the job. Employers review hundreds of resumes and look for reasons to screen some out of the process. Your cover letter can make the difference in getting the interview call.

Surprisingly, you will find that writing your cover letter is just as time consuming as writing your resume. However, it's not as difficult as it may seem. There are some simple, concrete action steps you can follow that will virtually guarantee the employer notices your resume.

Follow the tips below to learn how to write a cover letter for a resume:

Use a standard business letter format when writing your resume cover letter (no more than 1 page in length).

Four basic elements are essential to a successful cover letter: salutation, introduction, body, and conclusion.

If possible, you should address your Resume Cover Letter to a specific individual within the company.

The first paragraph should grab the employer's attention. Use action words to pull the reader in and/or mention a personal contact within the organization. Don't forget to mention the position for which you are applying.

Use the body to highlight a couple of your key skills and how they connect to the organization's needs.

Include a call to action in your conclusion. Initiate the next step by stating your desire to meet with the employer in person. Tell them you look forward to the interview and that you will be following up with a phone call.

Stay away from generic cover letters! There are literally hundreds of free resume cover letter examples on the Internet. The temptation is to take one of these and copy it as your own. Don't do it. The key is to use a sample cover letter for a resume as a resource, a brainstorming tool. Notice the structure, format, and wording of the letter; especially how each one is customized to the organization and its needs. You want to copy the basic structure that all resume cover letters use and personalize it with your individual style. A well written, carefully typed, error free cover letter will set your resume apart from all the others.

The resume cover letter is your prelude to the job interview. It sets the stage for your resume and shows the employer that you took the time to customize it to their needs. Follow the tips outlined here and employers will be compelled to read your resume ahead of the rest.

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By Jeff Melvin - Jeff Melvin graduated with an MBA and is a highly experienced resume writer with over 10 years experience. Effective Resume Writing was created as a free online resume resource center providing information on how to write a free resume, free resume formats, free resume templates, resume cover letters, and a list of job search engines.