A Good Cover Letter Example

You want help writing your cover letter. Here's a good cover letter example which you can use to help you write your own resume cover letter. If you want to get an employer's interest, you will have to write a cover letter that commands their attention.

The cover letter is most likely the first thing that an employer is going to read - or at least scan. It is the precursor to the resume. If the cover letter doesn't command the attention of the reader right away, then you already have a strike against you. Sure, the resume will outline your educational and experiential background, but it doesn't afford the flexibility of a cover letter. And if you can't garner attention with the cover letter, your resume has to do extra work to impress the employer. It is far better to make a great first impression with the best cover letter you can write.

An outstanding cover letter gives you an opportunity to tailor your qualifications in a way that the resume does not. You are able to explain situations so that the employer understands why, for instance, you have a 6 month gap in your employment dates. You can explain in detail about a specific set of qualifications.

Remember that a cover letter is concise and straightforward. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development's web site, "The cover letter is your best chance to clearly and briefly state why you should be chosen for the job. Explain how the skills you have most closely match the job's requirements. (It's a good idea to have the job description or classified ad in front of you as you write the letter.)" (Source: http://www.in.gov/dwd/2433.htm)

Then, you can tailor the cover letter to the position for which you are applying. Here is the guideline for a cover letter.

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COVER LETTER GUIDELINE

Applicant's Address

Date of Letter

Contact Person's Name and Title
Employer's Name
Employer's Address

Salutation:

First Paragraph: Identify why you are writing. Indicate the position name or the kind of work for which you are applying. and detail how you heard of the vacant position or the organization. In some cases, you may be responding to a "blind ad", but if possible, use the name of the company in this paragraph.

Second Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in this type of work and why you chose this employer. State relevant work experience and education and identify the specialized qualifications, training and skills you have which correlate to the job for which you are applying. Let your personality and experience shine in this section of the cover letter.

Third Paragraph: Round out the letter with a positive statement or question which will trigger the reader to call you for an interview. Refer the reader to your resume to get a more detailed explanation of your qualifications.

Sincerely,

Your Name Typed

Once you think you have everything the way you want it in your cover letter, proofread it and proofread it again. You can say everything an employer wants to hear, but if your cover letter is loaded with spelling and grammar errors, the employer will still toss your resume and cover letter in the trash can.

Hopefully, this good cover letter example has provided you with a solid guideline for writing your own masterpiece. If you do it right, you'll get the employer to take notice and call for an interview.

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