Cover Letter Advice and Cover Letter Examples

The majority of employers require potential employees to submit a resume in order to sum up their educational and work background all on a piece of paper.

Some also require a cover letter. Even if they don’t, it can be very beneficial to also include a cover letter along with the resume, since a cover letter is an excellent opportunity to explain relevant qualities and job skills. It gives the employer a chance to recognize the job experience that is directly related to the available position, and can make the potential employer more interested in reviewing the resume.

Here’s some advice on writing great cover letters and some cover letter examples.

When writing a cover letter, it needs to be written in a very professional format. It should be short and to the point, consisting of only a few sentences per paragraph. The heading should consist of the applicants address and the employers address, with a space between each of the addresses. The letter should be addressed to the hiring manager or individual conducting the hiring process and you need to find the name if you don’t know it.

The first paragraph should explain how you learned about the job opportunity, and should consist of only one or two sentences.

The second/third paragraph should summarize the relevant job skills that make you an ideal candidate for the position, further explaining the skills outlined on the resume.

The final paragraph is the closing, and should thank the reader for taking the time to read the letter. It should also ask to set up an interview, and include possible days that an interview can be held.

The letter should be closed with a formal closing, and should include a signature as well as the name typed – please see the cover letter example below.

By following a simple outline that contains all of the essential information, potential employer will have everything they need to find the best candidate for their job opening – you.

Here is 1 of our cover letter examples:

Adam T. Smith
5454 Palmdale Avenue
Vista, California 92083
June 16, 2008

Michael Jones
Hiring Manager
ABC Marketing
1242 Hillcrest Drive
Oceanside, California 92056


Dear Mr. Jones,

I am writing this letter in response to your advertisement in the North County Times newspaper. I believe I would be an ideal candidate for your full time Marketing Manager position.

As you will see from my enclosed resume, I have the educational and professional background required for this position. I have over three years experience in the same industry, and consider myself to be a very dedicated and enthusiastic worker. I would be honored to have the opportunity to work for your Company.

I believe setting up an interview would be beneficial for the both of us, in order to discuss my professional background and my possibilities as one of your employees. I am available any time before noon, and can meet after business hours as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,


(Signature)
_________________
Adam T. Smith

Here are more sample cover letters.