Career Advice

How to Write a Cover Letter

When you're preparing for your job search, of course you first think of writing a well-crafted resume but, your resume should work hand in hand with your cover letter. Cover Letter? Who asks for cover letters any more you say? Well, the answer isn't so much wrapped up in who is or isn't asking. A cover letter is a standard practice of business etiquette so it doesn't matter if it is required or requested, you should always have a cover letter ready to send with your resume. Think of it this way, your cover letter is a formal introduction to the employer you hope to connect with and eventually be hired by.

Ok, what should you write about in your cover letter? Well you could write about your cat or your latest Farmville crop but we're pretty certain most employers will chunk your letter into file 13 or hit the delete button quickly.

Your cover letter should follow a typical business letter format and address the following:

Paragraph One – Why you are writing

In your first paragraph you'll tackle the reason for your submission. For example:

Dear Mr. Z,

Please accept my resume in consideration for the posted Veterinary Assistant position with your organization. I am a skilled vet tech with clinical, emergency and rescue experience. I understand your business from a variety of points of view most uniquely as a long-time foster parent and dog trainer.

Paragraph Two – What you have to offer

In your second paragraph you discuss what skills you bring to the position and why you would be the best candidate for the job. For example:

For over ten years, I have created relationships at Hayworth Emergency Animal Clinic with both our animal patients as well as their human guardians. I have hands-on experience of all administrative and clinical procedures including administering tests, giving vaccinations, charting histories as well as managing wounds, fractures and other injuries and more. My previous jobs as a foster parent and dog trainer have allowed me to enhance my time management and inter-personal skills as they pertain to the individual patient and veterinary practice as a whole.

Paragraph Three – How you will follow-up

In your third and final paragraph you will express how you expect to follow up with the employer as well as offering appreciation for consideration of your cover letter and resume. For example:

I will follow-up with you by email by June 10th. I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss how my skills and experience could be a good fit for your clinic. Thank you for your consideration and I hope to meet with you very soon.

The Big Three – Which Style of Cover letter should you use?

Your cover letter is your first point of contact with a potential employer. This is your first impression so you'll want to be sure to design your cover letter according to the type introduction you are making or requesting.

Style One – Application Letter

This is a cover letter you create when you are applying for a known position. Use this cover letter when you are applying to jobs you've scoped out on job boards and other websites.

Style Two – Prospecting Letter

This style cover letter is used when you are inquiring about possible positions. Use this cover letter for example, when you've submitted a resume previously and want to learn if there are other openings.

Style Three – Networking Letter

Use this style cover letter when you are seeking information and assistance in your employment search. You would send this cover to academic clubs, professional work organizations and other networking sources.

A Few More Cover Letter Tips

One really great trick is to tailor your cover letter to the position you are applying for. It shows that you aren't blindly applying hoping something will stick but are doing your research about the company and the open position. Lastly, although most career websites allow you to include many resumes and cover letters as a part of your account profile, it is important to always keep your cover letters and resumes in word or PDF formats so that you can easily update them when necessary. Now that you know the three types of cover letters and what you should and shouldn't include in yours, try writing practice letters. The more you practice, the easier they will become to write.

Of course this article is devoted to writing a cover letter that will stand out, get you the interview and hopefully the job but we also discuss such job search essentials as 10 Resume Don'ts, How to Write a Resume, Tips for Interviewing and Negotiating Salaries as a part of this series brought to you by PCDI.

Learn more about PCDI's Online Career Courses and options for financing your education by visiting AshworthCollege.edu. Ready to get started? Enroll online or call 1-888-909-0558 to speak with an Admissions Advisor.Ashworth College is a division of PCDI, a leader in distance education.