The Secrets Of Writing A Business Cover Letter
Like all cover letters, business cover letters follow certain
norms - such as introducing who you are and what you are
looking for in a particular position. But if this were all
there was to writing one, there wouldn't be much else included.
So, writing a business cover letter simply boils down to
following some down-to-earth, common-sense principles.
For one, cover letters must be composed on high quality bond
paper. Next, they must be devoid of typos and grammatical
errors. Always include your contact details at the top of the
letter, matching that of your resume. Include your street
address, phone number and email (important!) so that they can
reach you when it is time. Don't forget to insert the date
below the contact information.
The "Three Paragraph Rule" Of Cover Letters
Cover letters should be limited to three paragraphs unless
there is a strong reason for extending it beyond this. If you
go beyond the "three paragraph rule", you risk boring the
reader, who must also actually get to your resume and read it
also. Recruiters and employers are notoriously short on time.
So you want to get to the point quickly and interest them at
the same time.
The three sections/paragraphs form the actual letter, which is
where you should concentrate to give the letter your best shot.
Generally, many candidates lack knowledge of what to write,
which eventually results in unnecessarily long letters. The
three sections are the opening, body and closing paragraphs -
in that order. The opening section/paragraph should begin with
a greeting and limit itself to the position that you are
applying for. It should give the reference number or
advertisement reference if you are responding to an
advertisement - don't make the employer wonder how you came to
apply for the job.
Dedicate the second paragraph to giving your key
qualifications, work experience, your background and
suitability to the job in question. This can include bullet
points as well. Close the letter in the last paragraph with a
pleasant note setting the option for following up later -
better yet, take the initiative and say that you will contact
them in x days. End the letter with a thank you and your
signature. As you can see, it is imperative that you use the
second paragraph to make your point, and make it quickly.
Eliminate Errors
You should proofread the cover letter at least 2-3 times,
eliminating the possibility of typographical and grammatical
errors. It sounds rather elementary, but you will be surprised
at how many candidates simply don't do this. The perfect cover
letter is drafted by 2-3 attempts and is free from punctuation
and spelling errors - the job killers. The great part is, you
can always use the first letter as a template for writing
subsequent letters for similar positions.
Writing a business cover letter isn't difficult when you have
simple rules to follow. Stick to the rules above and you'll
soon be writing cover letters that get attention - and results.
About The Author: Heather Eagar is a former professional resume
writer who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with
resources and products that promote job search success from
beginning to end. If you need cover letter samples and tools,
go to http://www.NothingbutCoverLetters.com
norms - such as introducing who you are and what you are
looking for in a particular position. But if this were all
there was to writing one, there wouldn't be much else included.
So, writing a business cover letter simply boils down to
following some down-to-earth, common-sense principles.
For one, cover letters must be composed on high quality bond
paper. Next, they must be devoid of typos and grammatical
errors. Always include your contact details at the top of the
letter, matching that of your resume. Include your street
address, phone number and email (important!) so that they can
reach you when it is time. Don't forget to insert the date
below the contact information.
The "Three Paragraph Rule" Of Cover Letters
Cover letters should be limited to three paragraphs unless
there is a strong reason for extending it beyond this. If you
go beyond the "three paragraph rule", you risk boring the
reader, who must also actually get to your resume and read it
also. Recruiters and employers are notoriously short on time.
So you want to get to the point quickly and interest them at
the same time.
The three sections/paragraphs form the actual letter, which is
where you should concentrate to give the letter your best shot.
Generally, many candidates lack knowledge of what to write,
which eventually results in unnecessarily long letters. The
three sections are the opening, body and closing paragraphs -
in that order. The opening section/paragraph should begin with
a greeting and limit itself to the position that you are
applying for. It should give the reference number or
advertisement reference if you are responding to an
advertisement - don't make the employer wonder how you came to
apply for the job.
Dedicate the second paragraph to giving your key
qualifications, work experience, your background and
suitability to the job in question. This can include bullet
points as well. Close the letter in the last paragraph with a
pleasant note setting the option for following up later -
better yet, take the initiative and say that you will contact
them in x days. End the letter with a thank you and your
signature. As you can see, it is imperative that you use the
second paragraph to make your point, and make it quickly.
Eliminate Errors
You should proofread the cover letter at least 2-3 times,
eliminating the possibility of typographical and grammatical
errors. It sounds rather elementary, but you will be surprised
at how many candidates simply don't do this. The perfect cover
letter is drafted by 2-3 attempts and is free from punctuation
and spelling errors - the job killers. The great part is, you
can always use the first letter as a template for writing
subsequent letters for similar positions.
Writing a business cover letter isn't difficult when you have
simple rules to follow. Stick to the rules above and you'll
soon be writing cover letters that get attention - and results.
About The Author: Heather Eagar is a former professional resume
writer who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with
resources and products that promote job search success from
beginning to end. If you need cover letter samples and tools,
go to http://www.NothingbutCoverLetters.com
posted by Peter Smith @ 10:28 AM
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