How to Write a Cover Letter

There are countless workshops out there on how to write a great resume. Even colleges offer a service to have your resume reviewed and if needed rewritten. You can buy software to help you write your resume. You can even hire someone to either help you write your resume or write it completely themselves. It's amazing how much help is given just to write a resume but yet there is no one to help you write a cover letter. In fact, most people don't even know what a cover letter is, why it's needed, let alone how to write it.

First let's address what a cover letter is. Those who have heard of cover letters might tell you it's a letter that accompanies your resume. Ok, but what does the letter entail? Is it a letter just saying "hi, please read my resume"? Is is a letter where you beg to be hired? Not exactly. You know how on the awards show like the Oscars, or the Golden Globes whenever an actor/actress receives a lifetime achievement award, they have someone come out and quickly recap their career before presenting them? Well a cover letter works somewhat along those lines. A cover letter presents you and your resume. A cover letter is going to tell an employer why, out of all the other applicants they have, they should interview you.

To begin, a good cover letter is short, and to the point. No cover letter should be more than 2-3 paragraphs long and it should NEVER be more than a page long. If you cover letter is more than a page long, then it is too long and will more than likely be tossed aside. Keep in mind the sole purpose of your cover letter is to sell yourself and land an interview. A cover letter that rambles on and on is not going to sell you. Keep it short and stay focused and stay to the point.