Tips for writing an effective cover letter include keeping it to one page, using bullet points to highlight qualifications, and creating a personalized letterhead. The opening paragraph should state intentions and the second should list accomplishments. The final paragraph should reiterate why you’re an asset and close professionally.
You can effectively write a cover letter that covers both the job you’re applying for and the resume you’re submitting. It should generally be limited to one page and consist of several short paragraphs. Bullet points are often incorporated into cover letters to highlight important points about your qualifications to the prospective employer.
To add to the professionalism when writing a cover letter, create a letterhead in the same font as your resume. Two popular layouts for personal letterhead are the left-right format and the centered format. If your resume contains contact information in one style, use the other for your letterhead. Left-right formats have your name in bold, uppercase on the left, and your name, address, phone number, and email address on the right, in uppercase and lowercase. The centered format has all the information stacked and centered at the top of the page, with the same fonts as the left-right version.
To write a cover letter correctly, the home address should be as personalized as possible and match the address provided by the employer. Try to find out the contact person’s name instead of directing the letter to a general entity such as the HR manager or personnel manager. If no name is available, a greeting like “ladies/gents” is typically preferred over “who might be interested in”.
When writing a cover letter, your opening paragraph should clearly state your intentions. Explain to your contact how you learned about the position, if applicable, and be as specific as possible. If you’re cold-applying, meaning no jobs have been posted and you’re offering your skills for future consideration, mention something positive about the company and relate it to your resume. An example might be: “I am very much looking forward to continuing my career in hospital administration and your facility has a reputation for excellence that I believe will be a good fit for my goals.”
The second paragraph should typically include two or three succinct accomplishments that correspond to specific aspects of the job or reflect your experience. Try to list resources that aren’t prominently highlighted on your resume to avoid repetition. This section often lends itself to bullet points.
The third and final paragraph should briefly reiterate why you might be an asset to the company and how you could both benefit from the relationship. If you want to be assertive, state that you will be calling in the next week to answer any questions they may have or schedule an interview. Alternatively, you can write that you look forward to contacting you soon to arrange a meeting.
A cover letter should close as professionally as it opens. A simple thank you for the person’s time and consideration and a reiteration of contact telephone numbers is generally preferred. A closing remark of sincere or best regards is commonly used, followed by your name. A handwritten signature is normally provided on correspondence which is made by post.
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