Tips for Preparing Cover Letters

Cover Letter Wordle Cloud (Photo credit: herzogbr)

A cover letter is an important part of your application submittal. It gives employers an opportunity to evaluate your ability to communicate. They'll be reading to see:

• Do you know the proper form for a business letter?
• Can you string together coherent sentences?
• Are you able to express yourself well on paper?
  

Here are some things to consider when putting your cover letter together:

• A cover letter should draw employers to your resume.
• Don't clutter it with needless facts.
• Keep it brief; no employer wants to read your life's history.
• Tailor it to the position and company to which you are applying; in other words, a cover letter shouldn't be "canned." 
• Begin by explaining why you are writing to this person and where you heard about the job opening. You should include something like "Your job announcement on govtjob.net. caught my attention." 
• Be sure to say why you think you would be a good match for the position. If the advertisement lists several traits or skills the employer wants to see in job applicants, refer to those skills in your letter and say how you exemplify them.
• Mention traits that will set you apart from other candidates. 
• Refer the employer to your resume. You may include a phrase, such as: "During your review of my resume, you may note that my background contains the qualifications and experience you are looking for." This will be a way to reinforce that your qualifications match the job profile.
• Write in a business-like but not overly formal manner; use your own wording.
• Don’t be too pushy. While it is acceptable to state that you are looking forward to meeting the recruiter to explore the position in a personal interview, don’t be presumptuous or state that you will contact the person to arrange an interview.
• Thank the person for his/her time and attention to your application.
• Remember to sign your cover letter.
• Note "enclosure" or "enc." two lines after your signature because your resume is enclosed.
  

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