Components of a Good Cover Letter

A cover letter is used to introduce yourself and your CV or resume to potential employers or organizations that you desire to join. It is the very first document your employer will view, therefore it is important to make a good first impression.

The Writing Style

Cover letters have a very specific writing style and format which should be followed. You should make sure that you create appropriate sentences, between ten and twenty words. Choppy and run-on sentences do not communicate to the reader that you are very eloquent. Paragraphs should not be too long, as you do not want to disclose too much information, the employer will begin to skim through your cover letter if it is longer than five lines per paragraph. Make sure that you are utilizing action verbs throughout your cover letter, as they grab the reader’s attention more than a passive tone will.

The Cover Letter Contents

Not only is the way that you write a cover letter important, but the information that you communicate is just as important. First, you want to start by addressing the letter to the person who is hiring for the position, if possible. When writing your cover letter you want to tailor the letter to show you are interested and knowledgeable of the company/organization, and emphasize what you can bring to the company. Be sure that you provide significant examples of your skills and abilities however make sure all information is relevant to the job you are seeking.
When writing your cover letter you want your enthusiastic and energetic personality to come through, while maintaining a balance between friendliness and professionalism. Be direct, positive, and concise, avoiding sugar coating and kissing up. You do not want to sound desperate, but rather confidently ask what the next step towards obtaining this position would be.

Objectives Checklist

Before you submit your cover letter, or consider it finalized, there are a list of questions you should ask yourself to ensure that you have created a strong cover letter.

• Does it include relevant information about the organization/company?
   
• Does it state why you are interested in the position?
   
• Are the skills or abilities you listed relevant to the position?
   
• Have you avoided being overly wordy or vague?
   
• Have you proofread your cover letter for grammar and spelling errors?
   
• Have you avoided exaggerated appraisal of the employer?

Your cover letter is a strong component of your resume and speaks to you as a person, more than your resume does. Together a good resume or CV and a good cover letter make you a viable candidate for any job.