Cover letters are simply a letter of introduction. In these letters you are explaining who you are and why you are writing to the resume reader. It is a matter of courtesy that you introduce yourself when you are requesting something of them, in this case an interview.
Why you need writing a Cover Letter….
My rule is - if you are not shaking hands with the hiring decision maker and introducing yourself, then you need a cover letter to introduce you. If you are shaking hands with the hiring manager, you are introducing yourself verbally and requesting an interview. In this case, hand them your resume without a cover letter.
On the other hand, if you are sending a resume by mail, if you give your resume to a friend to hand in, or if you leave your resume with the hiring manager`s secretary then you are not shaking the hiring manager`s hand and you need to have a cover letter enclosed with your resume.
Cover Letters should be brief and simple; Hiring managers only glance at cover letters. They have 50+ resumes to read out of which they will select a few candidates for interviews. We recommend letters be 3-4 paragraphs.
How to Prepare the Cover Letter Content……
Address these 4 topics in a succinct manner and the hiring manager will be grateful.
1) For what position are you applying?
2) How did you learn of the position or company?
3) Why are you perfect for the position?
4) Who will contact who?
You have to cover 1 & 2 in the first paragraph and a paragraph each for 3 & 4.
Here is a sample of a general cover letter for you to refer when you are composing one for your own.
From:
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Subject: Your Name – Position that you are applying for!
To,
Name of your interviewer
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Please review my resume for the position of (mention the position that you are applying for) at (name of the organisation). I have found out about the vacancy on an advertisement in XYZ (mention the source here). The post interests me highly and I want to apply for the same.
I have a graduate degree in (mention the degree that you have) and started my career as a (mention your previous work experience here). I have also done a certification training course in (mention the most important training which relates to the job that you are applying towards). I have X (mention the number of years experience that you have) years of experience in this industry.
With firm determination in learning and grasping the fundamentals that could best utilize my potential and skills, I assure you that I would be an avid learner and grasp my responsibilities speedily. Your organisation has an excellent reputation and I would like to be associated with your admirable good-will to move on ahead in life.
Enclosed along with is my resume for your kind perusal. I am looking forward for an early and positive reply.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Date:
Location: