A Cover Letter is More Important Than a Resume

Cover letters must complement your resume and not be redundant. It is used to interpret and add a personal touch for the resume. It will give away your first impression to the possible employer.

A cover letter serves as an introduction that accompanies your resume or curriculum vitae (CV). A technically and professionally written cover letter is more like a sales letter, selling an applicant for a possible job interview and ultimately for the job itself.

An application for a job in any professional level comes with two documents, namely the cover letter and the resume. These two documents must provide enough information that a potential employer needs to know in deciding if an applicant is okay to proceed to the job interview. It's very important to use the appropriate words in your cover letter and resume. Be precise but clear. Let's tackle more about writing the perfect cover letter below

Cover Letter
A cover letter for resume must be subjective and brief. In making a cover letter, make sure to include the following:
▪ Contact details
▪ Salutation
▪ Introduction
▪ Pitch
▪ Conclusion

A cover letter is like a business letter that serves as an introduction, inviting possible employers to read your qualifications in the resume attached.

Contact details such as name of the applicant, home address, at least two telephone numbers, and an e-mail address (if the applicant will send the resume by postal mail) must be included.

Some tips in writing a cover letter:
1. Make two down spaces then place the date. Make another double space then write the contact details of the company you are applying for. The name of the company, address, and the person you are addressing the letter; his/her name and position.

2. Always use Ms. when sending your resume to a married woman not unless you understand that she likes to be addressed as Mrs. The letter can be directed to the HRD if you have no idea whom to send the resume. However, a little research about the company and its employees will be of great help.

3. Write a short self-introduction then briefly state your purpose and express your interest in the job opening. Don't include trivialities such as the weather. The pitch will break or make everything. Tell the company why you deserve to be hired. Conclude by restating why you're the best for the job. State how you can be reached for an interview and thank them.

The format commonly used in the business is set to begin from the left. Use the following fonts:
• Arial 10 or 12-point;
• Courier 10 or 12-point; or
• Times New Roman 10 or 12-point.

Be consistent in formatting. Avoid errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Be formal; don't use slang words and phrases. Resumes sent through email should not run more than 3 paragraphs in length. Sign your letter except when sending it by email. Be sure to follow up the cover letter and resume you emailed with a hard copy through the postal or courier service. Hard copies are easier to file or pass around. They will give your letter another chance to be read.

A cover letter sent as an attachment must tell the prospective company what program created the file. Make sure to send yourself a copy of the emailed cover letter and resume for you to check that it was really sent to your possible employer.

Prospecting letter is another type of cover letter, also called the inquiry letter. It is for the possible employer that you believe is interested in hiring you. The difference is that they have not posted or publicly listed about any job opening. The content of this letter must be the reason why you applied for them, and why you will be valuable to the company. Give them all the necessary details as you would write in a cover letter for resume.

A networking letter is more on information request and job assistance. A good example of this letter is a college contact for the students or a contact from the university to arrange for a career assistance interview.