Cover Letter - Tips & Links

More than just window dressing for your resume, a cover letter is like a partner to that all-important document. Many employers today won't even look at your resume if you don't submit it with a cover letter. Your cover letter gives employers the opportunity to evaluate your ability to communicate -- do you know the proper form for a business letter? Can you string together coherent sentences? Are you able to express yourself well on paper? Your cover letter will give employers insight into all of these things.

Here are some things to consider when putting your cover letter together:

• Your cover letter should draw employers to your resume. Don't clutter it with needless facts.
• Keep it brief -- no employer wants to read your life's history.
• Tailor it to the position and company to which you are applying -- a cover letter shouldn't be "canned."
• Open by explaining why you are writing and where you heard about the opportunity -- you may want to say something similar to "your recent Daily News advertisement caught my attention."
• Be sure to say why you think you would be a good match for the position. If the advertisement lists several traits or skills the employer wants to see in job applicants, reference those skills in your letter and say how you exemplify them. Mention traits that will set you apart from other candidates.
• Refer the employer to your resume -- "you can see from my resume that I have the experience you are looking for" may be a good way to do so. Experiment with your own wording.
• Remember to sign your cover letter.
• Note "enclosure" or "enc." several lines after your signature if your resume is enclosed.