A cover letter should be included with a resume when applying for a job. Cover letters let you communicate your skills and assets directly to the hiring manager, while making your application and resume look more professional. It also allows you to tell the hiring manager why you are the best person for the position. A cover letter should be no longer than one page long, and, ideally, should be between three and four paragraphs.

Here are seven tips to help you write a great cover letter:

1. Write the letter using a business letter format. Include your name, address and email address at the top of the letter. Use the same font you used for your resume for the cover letter. Use common, easy to read fonts like Times New Roman, Tahoma or Arial.
2. If possible, address the letter to the person in charge of hiring. If the person's name is not included with the job listing, call the company directly to find out the hiring manager's name.
3. The letter should include the reason you are writing the letter. Include where you found the job listing and include the job title and any reference number, if applicable. Mention any referrals from colleagues in the first paragraph.
4. Include your knowledge of the industry to show your competency. This also helps makes a connection that builds trust and can give you leverage over other candidates.
5. Discuss what skills you possess that relate to job requirements. Try to match as many job requirements with your skills as possible. One way to do this is to make a two columns with job requirements on one side and your skills in the second column to compare.
6. Specifically ask for an interview. Give a call to action and let them know you will follow up to further discuss an interview.
7. Always proofread your letter before sending it. A typo on your cover letter or resume will reflect poorly on you, and may harm your chances at getting an interview. Proofread your letter after you write it, and again hours later or the next day. If possible, ask someone else to read it and proofread it before sending it.

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.mybackgroundcheck.com/jobseekerguide/. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

Unless an employer specifically directs you not to include a cover letter, you should never miss an opportunity to include this highly effective tool. A good cover letter is the perfect complement to your resume, and it allows you to share a bit of your personality and to promote yourself in a professional way.

While your resume is a practical reflection of your work history, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to truly speak directly to your prospective employer, to convey your enthusiasm about the position and to express your appreciation for his or her consideration.

When writing your cover letter, try to follow these guidelines:

• Write concisely—be direct and to the point, and try to avoid overly descriptive language.
• Address your letter—be sure to address the recipient directly if at all possible.
• Show your personality—be professional, but don’t be afraid to be yourself!
• Promote yourself—tell the employer exactly what skills make you perfect for the position and reference specific points in your job history. Focus on communicating why you will be a good addition to the team and what you can do for the company—don’t simply list your strengths as an employee.
• Keep it fresh—don’t use a boring form letter. Tailor your letter to address the employer’s needs and respond specifically to the job posting if applicable.
• Review, review, review—check your letter thoroughly for errors!
• Be consistant—Match the style and font of your cover letter to your resume to make a strong visual impression.

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://www.mybackgroundcheck.com/jobseekerguide/. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.

While on the search for a new career or after spotting your dream position on a job listing, you are likely to be sending out your resume, but when you do, no matter how you do, you should include a form of cover letter. It is that letter that makes your first introduction to the employer and puts your personality and writing ability on display.

Any time your resume goes to an employer, you should make sure to attach a cover letter to it, unless the employer asks applicants not to include one. Otherwise, the only time you don't include your cover letter with a resume is when you go in for a job interview. The cover letter is intended to secure that interview, so by the point you go in for one, its purpose is served, and while an employer might appreciate you having an extra bulleted resume to refer to, they aren't as likely to that with the text in a letter.

When it comes to creating the perfect cover letter, you should not approach it as a summation of your resume, or something that can be mass-mailed to a number of companies. Each cover letter you write should have personal touches, particularly an attempt to address it to an actual person whenever possible. You should also address what you can offer each business specifically and show you already have an understanding of what it is the company does.

Your cover letter should be unique and make you stand out from other candidates. Don't waste your first paragraph on boring summations; instead try to show a little of your personality and what you can offer the company. The rest of the letter should include answers to the questions you think the employer is most likely to ask, but without becoming negative. This is also your opportunity to request an interview instead of waiting on the company to take the initiative.

Make sure that your letter is written with correct grammar and spelling and done so tightly; eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases. This is especially true when you are sending an e-mail as your cover letter. When compared to their print counterparts, e-mailed cover letters are expected to be much shorter. Regardless of whether it is in print or on a screen, the focus is still the same: to present yourself and land that interview.

You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from www.mybackgroundcheck.com/JobSeekerGuide/. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field.