Resume Cover Letter

Writing your resume cover letter

Remember one rule: Always mail a cover letter with your resume. You'
d be foolish not to.

In a resume cover letter you can show an interest in the company that you can't show in a resume. You can also show more about yourself, while highlighting one or two of your skills or accomplishments the company can put to good use.

First off, your resume cover letter should be addressed to either the hiring authority for the position you're interested in, or the human resources director. Be sure to include the contact's full name and title, preceded by "Mr." or "Ms." If you are not sure who you should send your resume cover letter to, call the company and find out. Above all, be sure to spell your contact's name correctly.

In the resume cover letter, you need to mention:

1. the job or type of job for which you are applying, and
2. any other information that is important to your situation - for example, dates when you will be available for an interview; the best time of day or night you can be reached; and salary information, if it has been requested;
3. a bried statement highlighting your skills and experience in your resume that you think qualify you for the job.

Remember that you want to highlight skills and experience mentioned on your resume, not just parrot back your resume in cover letter form. If you are applying for a job that doesn't fit directly into your experience, make sure you explain how your background and qualification match the requirements of the position. Be specific but precise. You can see some sample cover letters here.

Look at it this way. Your resume cover letter is more important than your resume itself, since if it doesn't impress the reader, he or she may not even look at your resume. And the easiest way to impress the the reader is by doing your homework and finding out as much as you possibly can about each firm you are applying to.

Keep in mind, too, that the appearance of your resume cover letter is just as important as the resume itself. Each cover letter should be individually typed. Remember that it is a business letter so be professional.

Another important rule: Keep your resume cover letter to only one page. Remember, the key is to state the facts and be quick about it.