Step 2: Writing a Great Cover Letter
A good complement to a resume is a cover letter.
A GREAT, well-written, cover letter can give you a huge advantage over the other candidates.
A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and should be targeting the job position at hand.
Omitting a cover letter from your job application appears unprofessional to your potential employer. Having a well-written, personalized cover letter allows the employer to get an insight into who you are, how you communicate and how you present yourself as a professional.
Address the letter to the appropriate person. The biggest mistake professionals make is not taking the time to address their cover letter to the appropriate person, such as the recruiter or the hiring manager. Using generic lines, such as “to whom it may concern”, is not acceptable on a cover letter.
Sell yourself in the best possible light. Make sure that you sound confident and professional in your cover letter. Highlight those qualifications that make you a perfect candidate for the job.
Customize your cover letter to the position you are applying for. It is particularly important that your cover letter addresses why you are the best person for the job you are seeking. This includes indicating the job title in the cover letter.
Answer these two questions: why do you want this job, and what can you do for the company?
These two questions must be addressed in the cover letter to let your employer know that you are serious about your interest, that you have considered the opportunity and how it fits with your professional goals, and what you are willing to bring to the table to benefit the organization you want to work for.
Close the cover letter by telling your potential employer that you look forward to contributing your skills and experience to the position at the company and that you hope to have the opportunity to speak with him/her further about how you can be an asset to their team.
