How to Write a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter is an essential part of a job application. Employers seldom deliberately ask for a cover letter when advertising their position but do not take things too lightly here. After all, that piece of cover letter may be the deciding factor during the final short listing of candidates.

Here are some guides in writing a job winning cover letter:

1. Write a concise, straight to the point cover letter

Write a concise and compact cover letter that includes all the essential information in that piece of document. A cover letter is not an essay; it is a selling document that will trigger interest employer to go to the next step, which is reading your resume. Do not overdo when elaborating phrases and sentences and more importantly, do not just blindly copy the same old information you have put up in your resume. Do not go beyond a one-page cover letter.

2. Address the position correctly

Write your intention by addressing the exact position you’re applying for in your cover letter. “I’m writing to apply for the position of Marketing Manager as advertised recently” sounds a lot better than “I’m writing to apply for any job vacancy”. Its shows you did your homework and you are not just shooting blank. You’re aiming for the bull’s eye.

3. Make a good closure

Indicate your great interest with the position and that you look forward for a mutually beneficial discussion with the employer. You’re selling yourself here and it is particularly important for you to get the employer to conclude that you ‘may be just the right person for the job’. Finish off your cover letter with “yours sincerely” and do not forget the important part – enclose your resume together!

4. Proofread

Turn on the spelling and grammar tools and make sure every inch of the cover letter is covered to avoid any mistakes that would rank you among the silly bunch of people. Spelling tools may not be 100% accurate, get friends and colleagues to go through the cover letter and suggest any improvement. Let them fill the employer’s shoe and see if they get the ‘feel’ when skimming through your cover letter.

Other posts you may want to read:

1. How to Write a Good Resume
2. Cover letter sample – IT
3. Do I Write an Executive Summary or an Objective in My Resume?
4. How to Write a Resignation Letter
5. Cover Letter Sample – Production Engineer
6. Resume: Avoid These 5 Common mistakes
7. Cover Letter Sample for Fresh Graduate
8. Cover Letter for Career Change

Author's bio: Zul is the founder and principal contributor for the SKOR Career blog. He is the author of two books, The Malaysian Job Seeker's Dilemma and Buat Duit Tanpa Kerja Makan Gaji (How to Make Money Without a Job), available in major book stores nationwide. You can reach him at zulkiflimusa[at]gmail.com.