In the job search process, a candidate’s resume is, undoubtedly, the single most important document. But a close second is the resume cover letter. In this article, find links to free cover letter templates and tips for drafting an effective introductory message.
Resume Cover Letter Tips
A cover letter for a resume is the candidate’s first opportunity to highlight credentials; it’s essentially a sales pitch. The letter should be easy to read. It shouldn’t simply be a full page of text; one half to three fourths of a page should suffice.
White space (i.e. breathing room for the eyes – like the space preceding this paragraph) is also important. The goal is to present compelling facts without overwhelming the reviewer into glossing over the words.
Writing a Cover Letter – Succinctness & Customization is Key
Whereas the resume goes into detail about past jobs and skills, the cover letter should only mention the exact reasons why the candidate is a perfect fit for a specific job opening. Above all, applicants should make sure to customize each resume cover letter to a specific job, remembering to make sure that the resume's objective also matches up.
Free Sample Cover Letter Templates for Microsoft Word
At this link, find over thirty different free Microsoft Word cover letter templates. These letters are available in a variety of Microsoft Word formats, as far back as Word 97.
Samples include messages written in response to referrals, in response to an ad, by type of experience (entry level or experienced), and by type of resume (functional or chronological). Also represented are examples of job cover letters for a secretary, customer service representative, travel agent, sales representative, management consultant, paralegal, and a temporary worker.
Job Cover Letter Format Example for Emailing
When a resume is submitted online, it is sometimes necessary to include a cover letter via email. An emailed message doesn’t need to be attached; it can be within the body of an email. However, the message should follow the same basic rules as it would in hard copy.
Here is one job cover letter format example for use via email. Note that the message begins with a strong introduction to grab the reviewer’s attention, continues with more selling points, ends with contact information and lays out next steps.
Wording a Cover Letter for a Resume
The free sample cover letter templates at the links above should serve as good starting points for those beginning their job searches. The messages can be customized with exact dates and names; however, since a cover letter should be job-specific, it may be easier to adapt excerpts from these templates into an original document instead of re-wording an existing message.
Related articles:
Example Interview Thank You Letter
Sample Letter of Recommendation for a Co-Worker
Sample Referral Letter from a Colleague
Taxes on Unemployment – Are Unemployment Benefits Taxable? – Not all job searchers are unemployed, but those who are may find this article useful.
Lena Gott - Lena Gott is a Certified Public Accountant who gives practical financial advice to her readers.
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