How to Create the Perfect Cover Letter

Are you in the process of finding and applying for jobs?  If you are, you may be ready to mail out your resume.  Before you send out your resume or resumes, you will want to take a close look at the cover letter of your resume.  For starters, are you even using a cover letter?

If you are currently not using a cover letter, you will want to refrain from mailing out your resume, at least right away.  Many businesses expect to receive cover letters attached to all resumes.  In fact, many now require them, especially with mailed in applications or resumes. If you are unsure as to how you can go about creating the perfect resume or at least one that can benefit you, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to creating the perfect cover letter, there are a number of important factors to take into consideration.  One of those factors is the job that you are applying for and the wishes of that company. It is common for some employers to list exactly what they want cover letters to include.  If you are given a sample or directions, you are advised to follow them.  Not following instructions can result in your resume, as well as your cover letter ending up in the “don’t call,” pile.

As previously stated, a company may have their own preferences as to what they would like cover letters to include. This is because no two companies are truly the same.  That is why it is advised that you do not use the same cover letter for each resume that you send out.  Instead, you will want to create and distribute different cover letters for each employer that you have. You can have a sample cover letter or a template to use, but it is advised that you take the time to personalize each cover letter in one way or another.

Speaking of personalizing your cover letter, you will want to personalize each cover letter that you send out to the jobs that you are applying for and the companies in which you are sending your resume to.  For instance, if you are applying for the position of a legal secretary, you will want to plainly state that position. This will automatically set you apart from a good percentage of your competition.  Customizing each of your cover letters to the particular job that you are applying for is a great way to get yourself noticed, as you took a few extra steps not necessarily required.

Another one of the many ways that you can create the perfect cover letter for yourself is by being short and to the point. With that in mind, you will not want to be too short either.  A cover letter should be at least three paragraphs and you should try and keep all cover letters under one page long.  It is advised that you do not use any colored fonts, as black ink should do.  It is also advised that you do not use any colored paper for your resume cover letter.  Some job seekers mistakenly believe that this catches the eye of those in charge of scheduling job interviews.  Yes, it may, but not always in the ways that you had hoped for.

As for what you should include in your cover letter, it is advised that you list a few of your skills and qualifications.  It is also important to keep this portion of your cover letter short and to the point.  Your resume will go into further detail, but it is still advised that you quickly outline the qualifications and skills that you have.  Be sure to focus on those that apply directly to the job that you are applying for.  For example, if you are applying for the position of a legal secretary, you will want to summarize your computer software knowledge, typing skills, transcription skills, and so forth.

The above mentioned points are all points that you will want to take into consideration, when making a cover letter for yourself.  In all honesty, any cover letter is better than no cover letter at all, but with cover letters being relatively easy to create, why take the chance.


Ron Kish