What are cover letters?
A cover letter is basically a single or dual page letter that you include along with your job application. Most of the job advertisements ask applicants to include a cover letter while applying for the job. The cover letter works as a tool to help introduce yourself in a more informal way during a job interview. A properly drafted cover letter elaborates on the information specified on your resume and makes it easier for the recruiters to know about your career so far and other achievements. A cover letter is more likely to describe your personality as compared to your resume that focuses more on your technical skills and knowledge. Hence, it is important to prepare your cover letter in an effective way by covering all the essential elements that are required in it.
Basic Template for a cover letter-
Templates are useful to show you what elements you need to include in your cover letters, such as the introduction and other paragraphs. While you should follow the template, you can customize the body paragraphs to suit your needs:
- You may adjust the number of paragraphs as opposed to what is mentioned in the template as per your requirement.
- Note that there are minor but significant differences in the cover letter format if you’re sending your letter as a hard copy or attached letter, or if you are sending it as an email.
- You can mention your skills or qualifications in the bullets point as well so if you feel like using them, go ahead.
A sample template of the cover letter is given below for your reference-
Your Name –
Street Address –
City, State Zip Code –
Phone Number –
Date –
Individual’s Name –
Job Title –
Organization Name –
Address –
City, State Zip Code –
Dear Mr./Ms. ________________________________:
First Paragraph: Mention the reason for writing this cover letter. Name the specific position or post you’re applying for. Mention how you came to know about this opening.
Second Paragraph: Explain why you’re interested in working for this employer and specify why you are eligible for this position. Instead of repeating the same information that you’ve already mentioned in your resume, mention something different or unique about yourself that will benefit the employer.
Third Paragraph: You can mention here about the enclosure of your resume and that you are willing to meet with the employer. Mention something relevant such as a question here that will encourage the reader to read and respond. Make sure that you communicate your plan to follow up. You may state that you’ll be around in that area on a certain day and would be available for any meeting on that day anytime. Finally, appreciate and thank the reader for spending time to read your cover letter.
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Your name
Enclosure
If you need to prove your skills in the .NET framework, get .NET certified on StudySection. StudySection provides .NET certification exam for beginners as well as experts in the .NET framework. This .NET certification can improve your resume’s success rate.
