When a vacancy for a certain job is posted, it is expected to attract a number of applicants. Among these applicants, more than half will surely be qualified for the position. Just like you, their goal is also to be hired. So aside from the resume that you submit in applying for the job, the cover letter is also attached.

The cover letter is usually a one-page letter that is written to invite the employer to read on to your resume. For a busy employer who had been hectic all day reading typical application letters, which of those will leave a mark to you? This scenario must be taken into consideration by the applicant because it will also serve as a determinant whether your application will be dumped to the rejected files or files to be considered.

The cover letter aims to stir the interest of your prospected employer. With the knowledge in writing a strong cover letter, you can face the fierce competition in the job market. In fact, an effective cover letter can make you an outstanding candidate for the job more than those who are more qualified in skills than you.

A good cover letter must be able to awaken the weary mind of an employer. They must be interested to read more and subsequently be engrossed to call you for an interview upon reading your cover letter. If most of the application letters in the bulk of files receives only a glance, then yours should be read from start till the end.

When applying for the job, you have to advertise yourself to the potential employer in the form of an application letter. But it is through the cover letter that you give them a peek at your assertions for being a qualified employee. Therefore, the cover letter must give the employer an idea of the advantages of hiring you. The cover letter must be able to make them realize the direct and specific benefits that you can give the company. And it must speak in your behalf on what it takes to be proficient for the position.

In writing the cover letter, you must establish professional standards such as in the organization of words and ideas, design and formatting, neatness and even in the class of paper where you will print the cover letter. According to some, the signature also makes some implications about your personality and some employers observe this.

Your resume already states your job history and qualifications. So what is the purpose of the cover letter? The cover letter purports the salient points that must be highlighted to prove that you are worthy for the position. And it is because of the cover letter that the employer gets hooked to your qualifications. Since it is an attachment to the resume, it should not be a total recopy of the contents.

The cover letter generally states your interest for the job and to work with the company. This also introduces you and your skills and expertise to the employer so that he will recognize your potentials to fit the position.

So if you want the company to distinguish you from among the qualified candidates for the job, make an effective cover letter which will represent you without personal contact.

Image taken on 2009-09-28 15:13:58. Image Source. (Used with permission)