You’re probably familiar with this scenario:  You apply for a position online, and the website asks if you want to submit a cover letter. You think, “Nah my resume is up to par, I don’t really need one.”  A few weeks pass and you haven’t heard anything from the company.  Could a professional cover letter have changed that?

The truth is that submitting a cover letter is a vital part of the job application process. A well written cover letter can be the difference between whether or not a hiring manager calls you for an interview. The following tips will help you gain a clear understanding of your objectives for writing a good cover letter: 

Explain Why You Are Sending Your Resume:  Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be as specific as possible. Do you want a summer internship, a permanent position, or are you inquiring about future employment possibilities? Note:  Most companies will attend to qualified applicants before responding to inquests. 

Specifically Relate How You Learned about the Position or Organization:  Was it a flyer posted in your department, a web site, or a family friend who works at the organization?  It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who referred you to the job. Note: Get permission, and ascertain his or her standing with the company.

Convince the Reader to Look at Your Resume:  Have you ever heard the saying, “First impressions last the longest”?  Your cover letter will be the reader’s first impression of you. Therefore, it must be very well written (grammar and verbiage count:  use your dictionary and thesaurus) and targeted to that employer and that position.  Use active verbs when possible and point to specific accomplishments or successes. Note:  Examples should be relevant to the company and the position.

Make it personal:  Use the hiring manager’s name if you know it, rather than “To Whom it May Concern.”  If no name is provided, try to find it via the Internet, your personal network, or a call to the company.
Note:  Making the effort to get the name shows your level of dedication.

Call Attention to Elements of Your Background:   Include education, leadership, experience — anything that is relevant to the position you are seeking. Use examples where appropriate.  Note:  The cover letter is not a resume in paragraph form; refrain from repetition when possible.

Reflect Your Attitude:  Personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills help determine your fit into a particular company’s atmosphere.  Additionally, these qualities will help distinguish you from other candidates. Note:  Be as specific as possible; generic qualities point to generic candidates.
 
Provide Any Information Specifically Requested:  A resume doesn’t cover everything.  There are other points of interest such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample or portfolio that your cover letter can convey. Note:  Information not specifically requested will probably not be reviewed.