Employers report that an impressive cover letter is often more important than the résumé when making a decision whether to interview a candidate or not. Thus, it is a mistake to focus too much attention on the résumé and ignore the potential value of a well-written letter. Like the résumé, the cover letter is not intended to get you the job – it is intended to get you an interview (when you can convince the employer face-to-face that you’re the right one for the job).
A cover letter should work like advertising copy, that is, it should:
Whenever you cannot present your résumé personally a cover letter should accompany it. A cover letter should always accompany a résumé that is sent via the U.S. postal service or e-mail. Two occasions when a cover letter may not be necessary are when you deliver your résumé to a potential employer at a career fair or when you post your résumé on-line.
The purpose of the cover letter and résumé package is to motivate the employer to take action and invite you for an interview. When delivered together the two documents should be complementary and work together to accomplish your purpose; the appearance of your résumé /cover letter package will be enhanced if both documents are printed on the same high-quality, bond paper.
The most important aspect of a cover letter is employer focus: presenting the employer with signals of your personality and style along with your skills and abilities – important elements in hiring. In the letter highlight your qualifications for the specific position you seek, positioning your interest and qualifications relative to the employer's needs.
Always target your cover letter! Sending out a general cover letter and résumé to hundreds of employers, the “shotgun approach” to securing employment, is almost never successful. It can create a perception on the employer's part that you are not a serious and thoughtful person, are desperate for a job, or that you do not really care enough about their organization to learn about them or their needs.
Generally speaking, your letter should be just a few paragraphs and in nearly every case only one page in length. While there is no "perfect formula" regarding length and what to include keep it relevant and relatively brief – whet their appetite, don't give them a full course meal.
Avoid:
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