What is a cover letter?

What should I include in my cover letter?

How can I learn what will impress prospective employers?

How do I read a job advertisement carefully?

How can I learn what my qualifications are?

What if I don't have a qualification the employer is seeking?

Why is it important to learn about companies before preparing my cover letter?

How do I format my cover letter?

How do I organize my cover letter?

What do I include in my heading?

To whom should I address my letter?

What do I write in my introduction?

How do I approach writing my argument?

What should I include in my argument?

In my argument, should I show off my knowledge of the company?

What do I include in my closing?

Is there anything I should do before sending my cover letter to potential employers?

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to an employer, and you should send a cover letter with every resume you submit. In your cover letter, state why you are writing, why you are the best person for the job, and when you plan to contact your prospective employer.

Many people think that a cover letter is not as important as a resume. Actually, a cover letter is very important, because it gives you the opportunity to draw your readers' attention to specific qualifications. A resume presents a lot of information about your past employment and education, while a cover letter features specific qualifications that you think will impress your readers the most.

A cover letter is also important because it provides a sample of your written communications skills. Showing you can write well will demonstrate your intelligence and help to establish your credibility. Always write cover letters with care, because, like resumes, cover letters create an image of who you are as a professional.

You should plan to write a new cover letter for every position you apply for, because cover letters should be tailored to the needs of your readers. An employer seeking an electrical engineer, for instance, will be impressed by a different letter than an employer seeking a mechanic. Always bear in mind that the content of your cover letter should change from job to job.

This hypertext will provide you with guidelines for writing persuasive letters that demonstrate who you are as a professional. It addresses the following questions: What do I include in my cover letter? How do I organize it? How do I read job advertisements carefully?