Tips to Writing Cover Letters for Resumes

Accompany each resume you submit with a solid cover letter that not only presents your relevant skills for the position for which you are applying, but demonstrates a drive to learn more. A well-written letter signals to recruiters that you are capable and wish to contribute to the goals and successes of a potential employer.

Address the letter to a specific person

A cover letter makes the best impact when addressed to an actual person, rather than a generic greeting like "To whom it may concern." If the ad or job listing does not include the name of a specific contact, try searching the business's website for the name of the hiring manager, someone in the human resources department or the head of the department with the open position. You can also call the business for this information. Addressing the cover letter to an appropriate individual may require extra legwork, but it makes it more likely that your letter and resume are seen by someone involved in the hiring process.

Write a solid introduction and body

At the beginning of a cover letter, mention both the specific position for which you are applying and how you found out about it. If you have had prior contact with the addressee, then the introduction is a good place to refer that conversation or meeting. In the body paragraphs, demonstrate an understanding of the company’s policies, goals and achievements, and show that you are prepared to make an immediate and positive impact on its bottom line. Mention your applicable skills, education experience and goals from an angle that makes you seem like a valuable asset to the company. You need not describe your entire work history, however, as that information appears in your attached resume.

Request an interview

In the closing paragraph, welcome the opportunity to meet with recruiters or hiring managers for an interview to discuss your credentials and the position in more detail. State your specific intention to follow up your letter with a phone call to ensure your documents were received, and mention when you plan to call. You can also include your contact information. End your closing paragraph by thanking the reader for his or her time and consideration, and do not forget to sign and thoroughly proofread your letter.

A well-written cover letter signals your interest in a position and supplements your resume by highlighting your most relevant skills. Tailor your cover letter to each individual company to which you apply in order to make a strong impact that lands you an interview.