When you apply for a job, you have one chance and one chance only to capture your prospective employer’s attention. In most cases, this is done using a cover letter. You should create a cover letter for jobs that you apply for via a resume. A well-written application letter is your foot in the door. It is your chance to show what you are made of and why you should get the job. Most importantly, it needs to capture the reader’s attention and leave them with something to remember. Remember; there will be dozens of applicants vying for the same attention. Your letter should be attention grabbing.

You should avoid using a generic cover letter. Your letter should leave no doubt as to which position you are applying for. It should also include the name of the organization you are seeking employment with. Explain why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Outline how you will perform on the job, and do your best to woo the hiring manager with factual qualifications and experiences.

Follow these tips to create a perfect cover letter:

- Avoid writing a lengthy, rambling cover letter for jobs. You may very well have numerous qualifications that set you apart from others, but you should only include those that will be considered an asset to the position you are applying for. Pick and choose a few of your best, relevant qualifications and highlight these in an attention grabbing way.

- Ask for an opinion. Always have someone look over your cover letter before you present it to a potential employer. Listen to constructive criticism and adjust your letter accordingly. It can be very easy to overlook errors, and spell check is not fool proof.

- Again, never use a cookie-cutter cover letter. Write your letter from scratch, and make sure that it is a custom fit for the organization you are applying to.

- If your cover letter is full of grammatical errors and unfinished thoughts, it will be pushed down to the bottom of the pile. Make sure that your letter is well constructed, free of grammatical errors and flows from one point to another. Basically, make it a good read.

A cover letter for jobs is a tool that you can use to grab an employer’s attention and make them want to meet you. Remember; your cover letter can make you or break you. Write a good one.

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