Things to Include in a Cover Letter

A cover letter is your introduction to the prospective employer. Whereas, a resume summarizes your experience and qualifications and shows the employer how you are the best candidate for the job in question. You may get away with a few resume variants, but you will need many different cover letters, depending on the variety of employers you approach.

In summary, the purpose of a cover letter is to:

1) Make a connection with the employer and catch his attention.

2) Show how you are the perfect candidate for the job.

3) Move the reader to take a specific action, such as to call you for an interview.

Writing a strong cover letter in this way, and then giving a follow-up phone call shows the employer that you are indeed motivated, committed and enthusiastic to do the job.

In my experience, the best sequence and contents of a cover letter are as follows:

- The Greeting: This is where you may need to do some research to uncover who the primary decision maker is. There is no point sending your cover letter and attached resume to the wrong person

- The Connection: If you have a personal connection with an "insider" in the company, this is the time to say so. If you found out about the job through networking and maybe it has never been advertised, then this is the time to seize the opportunity. For example, 'Your advertisement today in the Small Town Gazette for a Management Trainee Position greatly interests me.'

- Grab Their Attention: One of the best ways to grab the employer's attention is to show you have done your homework and you indeed know something about the company. A bit of flattery may help too. For example, 'Your restaurant chain has always served as welcome landmarks in the towns that I visit, and I would like to contribute to your continued expansion and growth.'

- The Direct Hit: This really is where the "rubber meets the road". You need to be fully assertive and positively ruthless with your evidence that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Preferably use words directly taken from the job advertisement. You are answering the question "Why should I hire this person?"

- Invitation to Action: Whatever your sales pitch, you want to get the employer to do something for you, such as invite you for an interview. For example, 'At your convenience, I look forward to meeting you as soon as practicable. I have made myself available for interview next week between Monday and Thursday from 2pm to 6pm. You can contact me on 9755 0841 at any time.'

Finally, don't forget to say in your cover letter that your resume is enclosed too!

Peter Draper is an expert cover letter and resume writer. Further information from http://www.how-to-write-a-resume-that-works.com/example-of-cover-letter.html