Although cover letters should be different, personalized and uniquely creative, there are certain guidelines one must follow to ensure that the content of your cover letter guarantees you a high percentage of snagging the job that you want.

A cover letter format should be adhered to so you will be able to know what you will write down. This format will ensure an organized cover letter which will efficiently serve its purpose, which is, to highlight your capabilities and skills and show you as the best person for the job.

Essentially, your cover letter should give a great first impression to the person reading it or the hiring manager and convince him or her to read on further, then to peruse your resume and consider you for an interview. This may be too big a task for a measly letter, but if you follow the right format, this is very much possible.

Cover Letter Format

You signature block should be the first thing you write down in your cover letter. The signature block consists of your address, your telephone number and your email address.

Next is the date when you sent the cover letter.

Follow this in the next few lines with the name of the person where the letter will be sent. It is a big plus for you if you know the name of the person who is receiving the applications for the company. Add the title or position of the person, then the name of the organization, then its company address.

The salutation is next. Your salutation must be personal, avoid using “to whom it may concern” or “Dear sir or madam.”

Your opening paragraph should state the reason why you are writing, where you have learned about the vacant position and some basic information about yourself. Keep it short; they don’t want to hear about your life story. Try to make it very interesting so that you will be able to grab their attention and keep on reading.

You second paragraph should start off by stating why you want to work for their company, what interest you about them and in what they do. You can use what you have learned through research about their company, doing this will show that you are diligent, smart and serious about your application.

In the same paragraph, you will be able to showcase your qualifications and your abilities. You can tell about your work experiences and what you were able to learn in that experience. Keep it short; mention only those that can be applied to the job you are applying for. Mention that your resume will have a more detailed explanation of all your skills and responsibilities.

Try to use bullets to outline your skills and etcetera. This will make your points clearer and easier to understand.

On the third paragraph, mention any details about your schedule which would allow you to do interviews. Indicate that you are indeed very interested to come in and talk to them. Tell them that you will be more than happy to provide them with any information that they may need in regards to your employment with their company. Don’t forget to thank them for considering your application.

You can then write down your closing and affix your handwritten signature above your printed name. Don’t forget to mention that your résumé is enclosed if it is.

There you have it, the basic contents that a good cover letter should have.

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