How Good Is Your Cover Letter

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.

Carla Vaughan
Owner/Webmaster
http://www.professional-resume-example.com

Carla is the owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com, a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. She holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University, is currently working on her Master's degree at Texas A&M University and has authored several books.

For more information about writing excellent cover letters, follow this link to: Cover Letters

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