Employers are using cover letters to identify suitable candidates to be called for interviews. They will not have time to read the resumes but will scan through cover letters that are prominent. Therefore, you should always send your job application cover letter together with the resume and highlight your professional experience, skill set, strengths, and your value to the future job.
When the hiring manager is impressed by your background and have the motivation to find out more, you will be called for an interview. Therefore, it is important to form a good impression by leverage your job application cover letter. A professional letter without flaw may represent your specific behavior at work for paying attention to details. The employers may receive hundreds of applications pertaining to an ad. An average cover letter and resume will usually go straight to the dustbin.
So, how to create a cover letter that aces? Here are some helpful tips:
The letter format:
- Keep your contents within one page
- Use portrait (vertical) layout
- Use suitable character size and font type
- Write 2 to 4 paragraphs using simple sentences
- Insert your name at the bottom and sign in blue ink
- Insert addresses for both parties on top
- Insert date
- Send letter to a real contact and address him or her with “Mr,” “Ms,” “Dr,” etc.
- Provide day phone number
- Avoid the negatives such as explaining why
o you left or are leaving an employer
o there are gaps in your employment dates
* All these are best to be discussed in person during the interview.
The contents:
- Specify which job you are interested, and when and where you see the job ad
- Provide a short self introduction
- Sell yourself and describe briefly your professional experience, skills, strengths, and achievements
- How you can contribute to the job
- Your understanding about the job and responsibilities
- Request for interview and provide available time
- Thank the reader
Proofread your letter when it is done. Any error found in your cover letter will certainly guarantee a rejection. It is also advisable to use a proven tool to create your letter. Your odds of getting phone calls from your prospects will greatly increase with an effective job application cover letter.
