7 Steps to Better Cover Letters

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.