Importance of a Cover Letter

Even though a cover letter is never asked for, we must assume that the employer expects that you will write one.

It is also regarded as a sign of laziness to send out a cover letter that is not tailored to the specific job.

You’re probably thinking that it is more work and adds to the work of looking for a job, but going the extra mile shows the employer that you are serious about the job. The cover letter gives you another chance to tell the employer why you want the job or other skills and abilities you might offer. It also gives you a chance to describe your possible contributions to the company where you might not have had the chance to in your resume.

What makes a good cover letter?

• No spelling or typing errors, not even one.
• Make sure you address it to the person who can hire you or the company. If you can somehow find out who the person who is hiring you is, it is better to address it to that person. Be sure their name and title is spelled correctly.
• Write in your own words and tone so that the cover letter sounds like you and not something you stole off a website. Employers are looking to know you, not the internet.
• Show that you know something about the background of the company. A brief research can go along way.
• Use wording and terms that are relevant to the employer. Research about the company will be useful in applying for jobs.

Organizing the Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, we must consider it’s four essential parts:

• A heading is the first part where you provide our contact information (your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address), the date, and the address of the company you’re applying to.
• An introduction is the beginning of your letter. You begin with a greeting such as “Dear Ms. Jane,” followed by a statement of who you are and why you’re writing this cover letter.
• The third part is your argument. This is where you have a chance to describe your most important qualifications that prove why you are the best person for the job.
• And lastly, the closing is where you tell your reader what you plan to do after they have received your letter.

What do I include in my heading?

Include your contact information: Your name, address, phone number, fax number, E-mail address.

Example:

Assemblymember Joe Coto
100 Paseo Del San Antonio
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-277-1220
Fax: 408-277-1036
Joe.Coto@asm.ca.gov

What do I include in my argument?

The argument is one of the most essential elements of a cover letter. The argument is where you get a chance to make your case to the reader. You must be careful in what you choose to say. The argument should be a powerful one where it persuades the reader why you are the best person for the job.

Things you should include:

• The important skills you bring to the job
• How hiring you will benefit the company
• Persuasive argument
• Do not explain your resume, the cover letter is an opportunity for you to show the reader another qualified aspect about yourself
• Maintain a friendly tone throughout the letter

After considering these various elements of a cover letter, you must do some prior research once again. In addition to researching the company’s background, you should also research the qualities they are looking for in a person so you can adequately cater to those needs. It is important to display knowledge of the company but do not let that overwhelm your cover letter.

The first thing to consider about the closing of a cover letter is not to confuse it with a conclusion to an essay or term paper. Your closing lets the reader know what your plans are after the reader reads over your resume and cover letter.

You should:

• Let the reader know that you will contact them
• Include your contact information: phone number and e-mail address
• And lastly, thank your reader for their time and consideration

A sample:

I will contact you before September 15^th to further discuss my application. If you wish to contact me prior to this date, I can be reached at 408-277-1220, or by e-mail at joe.coto@asm.ca.gov. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.

This approach gives the reader an opportunity to look over your resume and cover letter more carefully as they expect you to be calling in the near future. If you do not feel comfortable informing your reader that you will contact them, then ask the reader to contact you and thank them for your time. If you choose to tell the reader that you will contact them, be sure do so. It will not reflect well on you if you do not follow up on something that you previously said you would do.