Of course it's easy to write a cover letter. The only challenges are determining what to say and knowing how to say it, which, if you looked at it, are pretty much the reasons that make cover letters so tricky to write. But if you want to solve the mystery of the cover letter and want to be able to approach it more easily, here are some ways with which to effectively do it:



Know why you need a cover letter

All employers expect that you include a cover letter in your application, unless of course they specify otherwise. A cover letter is your brief introduction to your prospective employer, a chance for you to summarize your qualifications and show your best qualities at a glance.

When employers receive dozens of job application letters everyday, the least they want to do is to pore over the details of your resume just to see what exactly it is that makes you special enough to deserve an interview. Not only that, it's been the standard practice in the job market for several decades, so you would do well to include one with your resume.

Are there different kinds of cover letters?

Aside from the styles, there are only two basic types of cover letters that you should know about: the solicited cover letter and the unsolicited cover letter. The solicited cover letter is one you write and send in response to known and published job advertisements. The unsolicited cover letter is one you send if you're prospecting for a job, exploring job possibilities or as a way to inform future employers of your presence and availability.

What is included in the cover letter?

A cover letter, very simply, is a type of business letter. It includes, among others, the current date, the person and company you're addressing the letter to and the purpose. In the case of a job application cover letter, it's to present to a prospective employer your qualifications that you believe will fit the employer's current need.

How do I write a cover letter?

If you want to know the correct tone and words to use, I suggest you find good samples of cover letters, specifically those that have demonstrated giving their writers positive results or those that have been prepared professionally. As mentioned earlier, cover letters are business letters so expect a little formality. If you don't have an idea of how to go about it, find three or four samples and take note of how they were written.

Once you've determined the important elements that make up a great cover letter, begin writing your own draft. Go for a targeted cover letter, one that is as unique as the company you are sending it to. This will show you as a diligent and driven individual who will not stand for the mediocrity of writing generic letters.

Your cover letter should be brief but it must contain enough information about you to let your prospective employer know what your capabilities are. This is your letter of introduction and should include what kind of things you have done and achieved in your past work experience that your prospective employer find extremely useful.

Don't brag. Simply state the facts and include numbers and figures if you must, but keep your cover letter short. Don't go into a long-winded lecture of how successful you've been and how you've changed things for the better. Just mention the things that you feel your prospective employer will appreciate and have great need for in his organization.

A cover letter is supposed to sell your qualities, so make sure you do an honest job about it. Don't sell yourself short but don't blow your trumpet too hard either.