Cover letters are used when sending letters in business transactions. It has different categories for different purposes.

Cover letters come in a form having the standards of a business letter. This will include the:

• Header
• Introduction
• Body
• Closer

In making a cover letter, it should have at least 2 to 4 pages. The curriculum vitae of the person who is writing the letter should be documented here, whether it is advertised or when you are sending out an unsolicited application.

This can act as an asset for your job hunting escapade. A cover letter contains handy tools that will market your skills and experiences. The goal is to make you stand out and get an interview. You can also write something that is related to work. This will be based on the achievements you have done before.

Written here are some reasons for the sending of a resume. Never submit it without a cover letter. This will serve as the introduction for your resume, although this is created separately. You can use the same paper and font that will make the letter and resume look like one.

You need to be specific with the way you write a cover letter. Mention how it can be related to the position you are about to apply. In general, it will fall into two categories namely the Letter of Application and Letter of Inquiry.

The description to these two categories is listed below.

• Letter of Application – This is a written application for a specific position. This make the difference of being successful in your job search or not. A cover letter is not commonly read upon submitting. This is usually recognized when the short list of applicants are needed. The cover letter must have its own subject. Never include the other information written in the curriculum vitae.

• Put your complete address and also the contact number in the upper left hand corner. Leave space and indicate the date.

• Write the whole name or the company followed by the address.

- In the first sentence write a good experience about what you have known about their company and acknowledge it.

- Resources that might be helpful include the following. Phrases from prior performance appraisals, letters of commendation and letters of recommendation. Current and past job descriptions and standards of performance that clearly express job expectations and responsibilities.

- This will also serve as a way of showing writing and even reporting skills.

- Letter of inquiry – In this letter, it shows the interest in an organization or company. This is a way of expressing your motive.

- In the cover letter, include first the complete address and contact number/email address of the company or person you are addressing to. You can write it whether centered or left justified.

- Write down some background about their company and let them know that you are ready to have a broad and general idea in the employment possibility.

- Indicate some interesting background and experience to promote your willingness.

- This is used to find some possible openings procedures and to register your data in advance.

- Put your complete address and contact number/email below your name. Ideally, the format is left justified.

An effective cover letter should convey clarity of thought. You need to also highlight your writing skills. Never use any slang or humor in a cover letter. Add something unique to your cover letter. It requires some time to make it. They can open the door for an interview when they well appreciate your letter and the information indicated. The curriculum vitae serve as a record. However, in cover letter writings, it reflects the identity of the addressee.

Highlight the main experience. It is a good strategy to describe the previous employer’s perspective rather than your own. This is the time to sell yourself and encourage them for follow-up actions like an interview. Be professional in writing a cover letter. Variety makes your letters more interesting and easier to read. Try to shorten and offset the long sentences. You can use some transitional phrases and words so that your ideas will flow together easily.

Other uses of cover letters would be in connection to many business documents such as loan application, proposals and executed documents. It serves the purpose of trying to catch the interest of the reader or to simply have an inventory of documents included in the future actions which the sender will take. The success of your letter will be directly related to how well you make it. After you send out this letter, prepare a script that will help you make follow-up calls and appointments.

Image taken on 2008-04-17 20:49:05. Image Source. (Used with permission)