How to Create the Perfect Cover Letter

If you are in the process of finding and applying for jobs, you may be ready to mail out your resume.  It is important to take a close look at the cover letter of your resume before sending out your resume or resumes.  For starters, are you even using a cover letter?


ou will have to refrain from mailing out your resume at least right away, if you are currently not using a cover letter.  Employers expect to receive cover letters attached to all resumes.  In fact, many now require them, especially with mailed in applications. If you are not sure as to how you can go about creating the perfect cover paper that can benefit you, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to creating the perfect cover letter, there are a number of important factors to take into consideration.  One of those factors is the job that you are applying for and the wishes of that company. It is common for some employers to give a list of what they want cover letters to include.  If you are given a sample or directions, you have no other option than to follow them.  Not following instructions can result in your cover letter, as well as your resume ending up in the trash can.

As previously stated, a company may have their own preferences as to what they would like cover letters to include. This is because they want only the candidate with certain qualification, skills, experience etc.  That is why you don’t have to use the same cover letter for each resume that you send out.  Instead, you need to create and distribute different cover letters for each employer that you have. You can make a sample cover letter or a template to use, but it is advised that you take the time to personalize each cover letter in one way or another to suit each job requirement.

It is very important for you to personalize each cover letter that you send out to the jobs that you are applying for and the companies in which you are sending your resume to.  For instance, if you are applying for the position of an assistant manager, you will want to plainly state that position. This will automatically give you an edge over your competition.  Customizing each of your cover letters to the particular job that you are applying for is a great way to get yourself noticed.

Another one of the many ways that you can create the perfect cover letter for yourself is by being short and to the point. With that in mind, you will not want to be too short either.  A cover letter should be at least three paragraphs and you should try and keep all cover letters under one page long.  Do not use any colored fonts, as black ink should do.  Also do not use any colored paper for your resume cover letter.  You may think that this catches the eye of those in charge of scheduling job interviews.  Yes, it may, but not always in the ways that you had hoped for.

As for what you should include in your cover letter, give a short list of those your skills and qualifications that are required for the job or position you are applying for. It is also important to keep them short and to the point.  Your resume will go give further detail, but it is still advised that you quickly outline the qualifications and skills that you have.  As previously stated, be sure to focus on those that apply directly to the job that you are applying for.  For example, if you are applying for the position of a legal secretary, you will want to summarize your computer software knowledge, typing skills, transcription skills, and so forth.

The above points are all points that you need to take into consideration, when making a cover letter for your next job application.  In all honesty, any cover letter is better than no cover letter at all, but with cover letters being relatively easy to create, why take the chance.