A Cover Letter is More Important Than a Resume

letters must complement your resume and not bedirected to the HRD if you have no idea whom to
redundant. It is used to interpret and add a personalsend the resume. However, a little research about the
touch for the resume. It will give away your firstcompany and its employees will be of great help.
impression to the possible employer.3. Write a short self-introduction then briefly state your
A cover letter serves as an introduction thatpurpose and express your interest in the job opening.
accompanies your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). ADon’t include trivialities such as the weather.
technically and professionally written cover letter isThe pitch will break or make everything. Tell the
more like a sales letter, selling an applicant for acompany why you deserve to be hired. Conclude by
possible job interview and ultimately for the job itself.restating why you’re the best for the job. State
An application for a job in any professional levelhow you can be reached for an interview and thank
comes with two documents, namely the cover letterthem.
and the resume. These two documents must provideThe format commonly used in the business is set to
enough information that a potential employer needs tobegin from the left. Use the following fonts:
know in deciding if an applicant is okay to proceed to• Arial 10 or 12-point;
the job interview. It’s very important to use the• Courier 10 or 12-point; or
appropriate words in your cover letter and resume. Be• Times New Roman 10 or 12-point.
precise but clear. Let’s tackle more aboutBe consistent in formatting. Avoid errors in spelling,
writing the perfect cover letter belowgrammar and punctuation. Be formal; don’t use
Cover Letterslang words and phrases. Resumes sent through email
A cover letter for resume must be subjective andshould not run more than 3 paragraphs in length. Sign
brief. In making a cover letter, make sure to include theyour letter except when sending it by email. Be sure to
following:follow up the cover letter and resume you emailed
▪ Contact detailswith a hard copy through the postal or courier service.
▪ SalutationHard copies are easier to file or pass around. They will
▪ Introductiongive your letter another chance to be read.
▪ PitchA cover letter sent as an attachment must tell the
▪ Conclusionprospective company what program created the file.
A cover letter is like a business letter that serves asMake sure to send yourself a copy of the emailed
an introduction, inviting possible employers to read yourcover letter and resume for you to check that it was
qualifications in the resume attached.really sent to your possible employer.
Contact details such as name of the applicant, homeProspecting letter is another type of cover letter, also
address, at least two telephone numbers, and ancalled the inquiry letter. It is for the possible employer
e-mail address (if the applicant will send the resume bythat you believe is interested in hiring you. The
postal mail) must be included.difference is that they have not posted or publicly
Some tips in writing a cover letter:listed about any job opening. The content of this letter
1. Make two down spaces then place the date. Makemust be the reason why you applied for them, and
another double space then write the contact details ofwhy you will be valuable to the company. Give them all
the company you are applying for. The name of thethe necessary details as you would write in a cover
company, address, and the person you are addressingletter for resume.
the letter; his/her name and position.A networking letter is more on information request and
2. Always use Ms. when sending your resume to ajob assistance. A good example of this letter is a
married woman not unless you understand that shecollege contact for the students or a contact from the
likes to be addressed as Mrs. The letter can beuniversity to arrange for a career assistance interview.