Cover Letter

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself. It should always accompany your resume as it can be the mail tool in landing you an interview. While a cover letter will not get you a job, it gives you the opportunity to link your qualifications to the specific requirements of the job and to show the employer how you can be of value to their organization. The main idea of writing a cover letter is to tell your reader that you are well qualified and capable for the position.

A cover letter should be a short, to the point and should not be longer than one page with three to five paragraphs or sentences. The main purpose of a cover letter is to sell you to the company, and to obtain an interview.

How to write a Cover letter

A cover letter should be brief and concise. Make it no more than a page. It should be interesting and not boring. Any cover letter should contain the following points/sentences.

Address it to the concerned person and not to “Whom so ever it may concern”. Write the hiring person’s name like: Dear Mr. Arvind or Dear Ms. Rohini.

Introduction (First sentence/paragraph)

Start your covering letter by a one line introduction about yourself and follow it up with how you came to know that the company had a vacancy. Tell them what position you are applying for. Mention the name of the Newspaper, website or if someone referred you based on your qualification, talent etc. The first sentence should be dedicated to this process.

Academic and professional qualifications (2nd sentence/paragraph)

This is what interests the person seeing your cover letter. They want to know how your education background and your experience (if any) would be helpful to the organization. You must show a relation between your qualifications (academic, work, social, extra-curricular and other skills) and the job you are applying for. Use the best point of your resume in trying to convince them that you are the right person for the job. While conveying about yourself tell them that by hiring you, you will be an asset to the company.

Reasons and interests for applying in that particular company (3rd sentence/paragraph)

There could be many reasons why you are interested in the job. But the employer would be interested in knowing why you chose the company, your motivation. So stress at least two to three reasons for this. Show the reader that you are knowledgeable and capable of handling the position. Show your positive qualities, and how they will fit in with the structure of the company.

Closing remarks – Ask for a meeting (4th sentence/paragraph)

Thank the employer for taking time to study your letter and resume. Tell them that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Mention that you would call in a couple of days to follow-up.

Finally: Put your signature. Be sure to mention your contact details including your cell number, land line number, postal address and email if you have one.

arvind@alotusinfotech.com