Essentials of an effective cover letter
A cover letter is an indispensable part of a job application. Whenever you will be applying for jobs you have to send a resume or a CV accompanied by a cover letter. A cover letter has several purposes. It must make the reader feel interested towards your application and explain why you are writing and also signify how you can benefit the company and request for an interview. A cover letter is equally important and will help in creating a positive impression about you. So it is imperative that you know how to write an effective cover letter along with best resumes. Each cover letter must be written individually and with care. If you find this too intimidating then here are some tips on writing cover letters.
Let us discuss here the different parts of a cover letter and show you how you can create an effective one.
The salutation
To create a proper first impression it is important that you address the right person. You should address the person with whom you want to talk by name. Make sure that you know the right name and the spelling also. If possible call the company and check the name and its spelling but never make a mistake.
Opening of the letter
A cover letter is like a sales pitch and hence the opening of the letter is very important. The opening must be appealing and catch the attention of the reader. One way of making the letter interesting is by writing about the company. You may find this advice astonishing but it often impresses an employer that an applicant knows so much about the company. Actually, you can create an effective cover letter by being creative from the opening itself. You can mention the projects that are under development or the awards that the company has received recently or some encouraging comments you came across in the newspaper or business magazine.
This will not only create a good impression about your knowledge but also show your keen interest in the preferred industry and the company also.
If you are applying against an ad or someone’s suggestion, you can mention that also.
Body of the letter
In the body of the letter continue with your sales campaign and provide a brief anecdote of your qualifications and refer to your resume. While writing this part, ensure that you do not repeat the resume here. To create an effective cover letter, try to be creative.
Closing of a cover letter
The closing of the letter is equally important. Remember the basic purpose of writing a cover letter and a resume- an interview. So close your letter by requesting for an interview. You can suggest the time and also state that you will confirm the appointment.
Use a complimentary close like “sincerely yours” and leave a few lines and then write your name. You may mention your phone address and email id below your name if you are not using your own letterhead in which case your personal details will be present on the top of the page.
An effective cover letter will open several windows of opportunity for you. Make sure that it is accompanied by an effective resume also. You may follow up your application through a phone call or a thank you letter also. All these will ensure that you get interview calls which are the first step towards getting that dream job.
