1. STRUCTURE

A good cover letter increases your opportunities to get a job. It  is your first step in showing a specific company what you can and want to do for them.

It is not about spending hours writing a “perfect” cover letter, but a quality one.

Remember that this one not only accompanies your resume, it should catch the attention of the employer, in order that the company deepens to know all your information and background. A positive first impression requires a careful and concise cover letter, containing no errors in spelling or grammar. Each cover letter should be customized to fit the position for which you are applying.

It should be written based on its purpose. Some reasons for sending it may be:

• A result of a direct search
•  A response to an advertisement
• A follow up on a contact made through networking

Any case be sure that it contains the following information:

• Return address with the date
• Name, title, organization, and address of the person you are writing

First Paragraph

The opening paragraph should be short and concise. Explain the reason you are writing, for example ‘I would like to be considered for the position of Sales Manager’.

Second Paragraph

Briefly describe your professional and academic qualifications that are relevant to the position. If the job was advertised, refer to all of the required skills written therein.

Third Paragraph

Explain what you can do for the company.  Incorporate your research. Expand on the most relevant points of your CV.

Final Paragraph

Request actions, for example indicate your desire for a personal interview and that you’re able to meet with the employer at their convenience. Additionally, Be sure to include your contact details so they can get hold of you when they need to.

Closing

Use “Sincerely,” “Truly,” or “Regards” to close your letter. Finally Be sure you have signed it.

2. SOME GOOD TIPS

• Don’t repeat your CV
• Customize your cover letter to specific company and job position
• Don’t forget to put the name of a mutual contact in the first sentence
• Ilustrate your qualifications with examples
• Summarize your career in one or two specific sentences
• Cover letter should be short
• Write your cover letter in businesslike
• Don’t address nobody
• Send your cover letter as a PDF
• Keep your cover letter no longer than one page
• Don’t use the following phrase “My name is …, and I’m applying for the position as ….”
• Use a action verbs, short sentences, clear structure, use standard fonts
• Check and recheck your spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Close strong