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Cover Letter |
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A cover letter is usually attached to a resume. The purpose of this letter is to provide the necessary information for the employer to consider the applicant for the position. It should be tailored to a specific company that the applicant is applying for. The applicant should have sufficient knowledge of the company needs, goals, values and interests so that the cover letter can be completed in accordance with these company specifications. It should explain why the applicant is sending a resume to the company; it signifies the intent.
The cover letter should include the position desired, how the applicant came to learn of the job opening, highlight of qualifications for the job such as education, experience, leadership abilities, motivation and communication skills.
In writing a cover letter, the applicant should remember the following guidelines:
1. Straightforward.
The letter should go direct to the point—state the objective of the letter without beating around the bush or using fancy elaborations.
2. Short but complete
Employers do not have much time reading cover letters so the applicant should write only a page long letter indicating all the necessary information. It is ideal that cover letters should be short for the employer to really read the letter, however, it must not be too short to almost contain nothing. It should be concise and complete.
3. Image Projection
Since the cover letter is attached to the resume, this is the first document that the employer would examine. There is a need to project a good image. The employer should be impressed with the letter and the qualifications stated there for the applicant to get to the next level of the employment process. The employer should be convinced that the particular candidate is to be chosen among the other applicants vying for the job.
4. Customize
The letter should be tailored to the needs of the company. The skills and other qualifications of the applicant should be highlighted in such a way that they match the company specifications.
5. Avoid Grammatical Errors
The letter should be proofread before it is submitted to the employer. The applicant should avoid grammatical errors as well typographical mistakes because there loopholes will definitely leave a negative impression on the employer. A well written cover letter creates a good impression.
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