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Jobs >> Jobs Articles >> Interview & Resume Tips >> Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

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Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

 Dated: 12-24-2009

The professional cover letters contain personalized messages that are carried across to the interview board or the hiring manager. You need to be direct and brief while writing a cover letter.

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A professional touch in the cover letter is very important; make sure that you are not writing short stories while preparing a cover letter. The cover letter should be so written, that is generates interest in the reader. While writing a cover letter, you can keep in mind the following finer points to make it more effective:
  • The cover letter written must be original and tailor made suited to the requirements of the company that you are looking for.
  • The cover letter must contain introduction about your resume. Highlight your previous accomplishments and achievements to fulfill needs of the organization, it is the cover letter that helps you to communicate your knowledge about the organization and researches undertaken by you about the institution.
  • Do not make the cover letter lengthy unnecessarily; incorporate only those points that are relevant and pertinent to the organization.
  • Make use of necessary key words as that will help you to standout of the crowd.
  • Make sure that your cover letter is easily comprehensible and free from grammatical errors; your cover letter must reflect your personality. A professional touch is a must, try avoid being humorous or aggressive.
  • Proofread your cover letter, if necessary; get it checked by some professionals. You need to carry duplicates of all correspondence.
In order to make your cover letter impressive, you need to make it very imposing to the reader. First impressions have a long lasting impact. You need to state your case effectively and clearly, for attracting attention of those who are currently hiring. You can log into hound.com. We help you to prepare a professionally created cover letter, you can also go through the several sample cover letters posted on our site. To ensure that your cover letter is effective, you must take care of the parameters stated below:



  • While writing a cover letter, make use of word processor, instead of hand writing it. You can prepare your cover letter in the Microsoft word document.

  • It must be free from errors. Proofread it several times. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, leave behind poor impressions, you need to ensure that the cover letter is absolutely perfect.

  • The cover letter should be free from colors and fonts. You should not make it look like a poster or flyer. Use black ink. Business fonts like Arial can be used. Get it printed out in a white plain paper. Since ink smudges in a desk printer, get your cover letter and resume printed out in a laser printer.

  • Your cover letter should contain details about why you are applying for the position. It should bear all necessary materials and application for supporting your cause. It should be free from all unnecessary exaggerations.

  • You can make use of templates. There are plenty of online templates available. However you should not simply copy and paste them on your cover letter, instead try to write a cover letter in your own words.
Basic rules to be followed while writing a cover letter:

There are some basic rules, which need to be taken care of, while preparing a cover letter. The job seeker must personalize every letter to the recruiter and the organization. You should avoid using blanket form of letters for different letters of inquiry. It is always better to incorporate challenging thoughts with will make the recruiter feel that you are worthy of consideration. This will make them think about you twice, even though they have not thought of recruiting presently. Try to write cover letter in the self interest of the person, for whom you are writing. Give the recruiter clues that you will be able to generate more revenues for the organization and increase its rate of profits. The cover letter should begin with strong sentences, which will attract attention of the recruiters.

A cover letter must contain the following topics in a succinct and precise manner. You must clearly state the position for which you are applying. What are the sources of information about the organization? How did you come to know about the vacant position of the organization? Why do you feel, you are the most suitable candidate for the post.

When you are writing cover letters, its time that you get personal. You can create a personalized cover letter and address it to the recruiter who is currently hiring. You can log into hound.com, to find the organizations that are currently hiring. ''Name dropping'' is an effective method of ensuring that your cover letter is getting noticed. It is important both from the perspective of the employers and the employee.



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