How to Write a Cover Letter

A cover letter is an essential part of your job search if your resume passes the review process by the employer. The employer is interested in the facts. Do not exaggerate the facts. Also do not write an autobiography. The cover letter should be brief, to the point and demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements of the position you're applying for. Additional information may deviate the employer from the main points of your cover letter.

Avoid negatives when writing the cover letter. Including why you left a previous employer, non-employment periods in employment history or why you're leaving your current employer. Best if they are discussed during an interview so that your personality can counter them.

Even if the position you're applying for specifically states to include your salary history, again try to avoid writing about it in the cover letter since it's more likely than not to cost you being invited to an interview. If the position being applied for states that resumes without salary history will not be considered, include a salary range and state your flexible salary requirements based on the opportunity the position will provide.

Give some time laying out and designing your cover letter. It should be easy to scan and understand the main points without reading the whole letter. Since employers usually go through hundreds (if not thousands) of cover letters and resumes, it should be easy for them to spot the main points of the cover letter. Too much information in large paragraphs is frustrating to scan over. Do not summarize your resume in the cover letter and do not repeat points. Instead the cover letter is an introduction of yourself and a persuasive argument for why you are the best candidate for the opening position. Avoid generic templates of cover letters.

Do NOT use platitudes and cliches which is often the poor advice of how to resume books and websites. Resume reviewers know that every one offers "excellent written and verbal communication skills". Be different and stand out. Demonstrate good written communication skills by not using cliches in your cover letter. Copying phrases from books and websites for your cover letter is not going to impress the employer.

Try to personalize the cover letter if possible, addressing it to a specific person who's going to be reviewing your resume. Avoid using the generic "Dear Sir or Madam", which indicates to the employer that you are broadcasting the resume to multiple employers, or have not taken the time to learn more about the company. This can lead to failure. You can usually find the contact information on their website or by calling the company, which would only take a couple of seconds and in effect make your letter stand out.