It has been well known now for many seasoned job applicant advisers and experts that having a good and well-written cover letter can greatly enhance as persons chance to be employed. While the resume is undeniably an integral part of the job application process, a cover letter is your first chance to get a good impression and to build the foundation on how a potential employer looks at you.

It is for this reason that every person who is out looking for job should appropriate ample time in writing and rewriting a cover letter that is worthy of the hiring manager’s time. These people sit in their desks all day long reading applications, if you submit an error stricken and dull and boring cover letter, chances are high that your resume will not even be read and will be thrown away.

If you haven’t the experience or the knowledge in writing cover letters and you don’t have anyone to help you out in writing one, then you have one thing left for you, a cover letter template. Cover letter templates list down what you need to put on your cover letter and in what order. It shows the order in which things should be written down, but remember that it is only a guide, you should be creative enough to put little touches to make your cover letter more personalized and show your personality.

Here is a sample of a cover letter template.

Applicant’s Contact Information

Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address

Date

Employer’s Contact Information

Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Salutation – it is better if you are able to use the name of the person who will be reading your letter.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should inform the person why you are writing. Mention also the position you are applying for and where you found out about the opening.

Your next paragraph should then sell you. It should show what you have to offer the company you are applying to. Also, it should convince the hiring manager and persuade him or her as well to grant you an interview. Connect your abilities and the needs of the position that you are applying for. This should show that you are the perfect person for the job. Try to use bullets to strengthen your points, this should make it easier to read and comprehend. Remember though that this is only a synopsis of your resume, don’t go into long details.

Your final or closing paragraph should be on thanking the employer on considering your application. Tell them once again that you will greatly appreciate being given an interview. Tell them your plans on following up your application and when you will be doing it. Also, mention when you will be available to go for an interview.

Complimentary close.

Your signature.

And that in a nutshell is a cover letter template. You can add more to what is being mentioned but always remember to keep it short. Only the salient points should be given and keep everything in perspective.

As a last note, always remember to make your cover letter professional looking, error free and grammatically correct. This will reflect upon you and you do want to show the best of you.

Image taken on 2009-04-16 10:43:08. Image Source. (Used with permission)