elements of cover Letters

A great job can be a rewarding experience, but to increase chances of success, applicants should prepare both a resume and a cover letter.
A cover letter is considered essential when submitting a resume, as all businesses expect one accompanying a resume.
The primary purpose of a cover letter is to express interest in a job application.

A cover letter acts as a formal greeting in which the applicant:
- States the specific employee position they are interested in.
- Describes how they learned about the job opening.
- Provides reasons for being a suitable candidate for the position.
It is usually the first interaction an applicant has with a potential employer, making it critical for the cover letter to be professional and well-written.
Length: A cover letter should not exceed one page.

Essential elements that every cover letter should include:
- Job Application Intent: Clearly explain why the resume is being submitted. Specify the job being applied for, especially if the employer is a large corporation with multiple job postings.
- Source of Job Information: Mention how you heard about the job (e.g., classified ads, online posting, or referral).
- If referring to someone, include the person's name, but only with their permission.
The cover letter serves as a persuasive tool to encourage employers to review the attached resume.
Stand out from other applicants by being compelling and professional.

Avoid submitting a generic cover letter for multiple job applications. Instead:
- Compose a new cover letter for each application, incorporating details specific to the job and the organization.
- Address the cover letter explicitly to a specific person. If the hiring manager's name is unknown, contact the business to inquire.
- Confirm the correct spelling of the manager's name.

A cover letter offers an opportunity to highlight personal qualities along with pertinent information.
Include key points from the resume, summarizing:
- Background: Education, experience, attitudes, personal strengths, and attributes.
- Use numerical and detailed examples to differentiate oneself, e.g., "Increased sales by 16%" or "Selected as employee of the month."
Include additional information that may not be present in your resume, such as:
- Availability for work.
- Brief explanations of gaps in employment, e.g., acknowledging a three-month absence due to recovering from an accident.

Demonstrate attentiveness by researching the prospective employer.
Mention specific departments or recent events relevant to the company to personalize the cover letter and exhibit genuine interest.

Conclude the cover letter by stating how you will follow up on the application.
- For instance, express the desire to meet the employer in person and indicate a timeline for follow-up communication, typically within two weeks.
Be direct and assertive to reflect seriousness about the position being sought.

The appearance of the cover letter is as crucial as its content:
- Proofread multiple times and seek feedback from others to eliminate errors (misspellings, unfinished sentences) that could lead to automatic dismissal of resume.
If submitting a printed version, ensure:
- High-quality paper is used for both the cover letter and resume.
- Use blue or black ink to sign the cover letter.
- Deliver in person or mail in a large flat envelope to avoid folding the documents.