Cover Letter Writing Guide – Where to Start and What to Say

When you turn in your resume to a potential employer the first thing that they will see is your cover letter. Because your cover letter will be the first words read by the person deciding the fate of your dream job, you have to make sure that it sounds just as good as your resume. But where do you start and what do you say?

Your cover letter should be written in the typical business letter format and should address three general issues. The issues you will touch on are why you are writing via the first paragraph, what you have to offer via the second paragraph, and finally how you will follow up via the third and closing paragraph. These are broken down as follows:

• Why you are writing: In this first paragraph you need to convey to the reader why you are writing this cover letter and do it in such a way that you grab their attention. There are three different ways to go about writing this paragraph and they are:
1. Response to a posting: If you are responding to a posting that the company made be sure to indicate this in the first paragraph. You will also want to convey to them how you feel that you will be the perfect match for their position.
2. Prospecting Letter: This is an unsolicited response so you have to be even clearer as to why you are writing. Be sure to state your specific job objective in this section.
3. Networking letter: This type of cover letter will be written if you plan on approaching people for a job opportunity, so be sure your objective is clearly stated.
While it may be tempting to write a blanket cover letter and use it for all of the resumes you pass out, this is a big mistake. Be sure that the cover letter is tailored to a specific type of job and situation in which you are trying to get that job.
• What you have to offer: In the second paragraph of the cover letter you will want to convey to the potential employer exactly what it is you have to offer them. Key in on your accomplishments and abilities to solve potential problems and also be sure to show how your past work skills and education are transferable to the job in which you are applying.
• How you will follow up: Finish off the letter by telling the potential employer once more how enthusiastic you are about the job. You can either give them an e-mail address and phone number to reach you with or you can go bold and simply declare that you will call them at a specific time and date to set up an interview at a mutually convenient time. If you do that however, be sure you call when you say you will.

You can also put on the cover letter that references are available upon request, just be sure that you have your reference list ready if it is asked for. While the cover letter isn’t all that long, it needs to be written in a strong manner in order to get the potential employer to first look at your resume and then call you for an interview.

Tip: Start by using a sample cover letter. Your writing will be faster, easier, and more professional as a result.