Writing Cover Letters

Cover letters are sales letters; their sole purpose is for you to market yourself. Cover letters should have an immediate connection that distinguishes you from others; therefore it is a critical part of the resume package you submit to a prospective employer when conducting a direct job search. An effective cover letter should add to your resume. Both the cover letter and resume should contribute to your professional image and be an expression of your written communication and organizational skills. Since the cover letter is what introduces you to a potential employer it should always accompany a resume.

A cover letter usually takes on of two forms:

1. an application letter, a direct response by the applicant to a specific publicized opening or
2. a letter of inquiry, an attempt to determine any openings which currently exist or which may exist in the future.

A good cover letter should communicate personal warmth and bring the resume to life. By motivating the potential employer to carefully read your cover letter, you are halfway toward your goal of convincing the employer to invite you for an interview.