Connecting your Resume and Cover Letter
A cover letter needs to accompany a resume in submission for an employment opportunity. The purpose of your cover letter is to serve as your introduction to a prospective employer; therefore, it needs to make a strong impression on the perspective employer. It should not simply repeat what is in your resume; the letter should highlight those attributes which best fit the position for which you are applying. Your resume should complement your cover letter by clearly listing your experience, educational background, and professional credentials.
First of all, the cover letter has to be well-written. It must employ proper spacing and margins. The body of the letter should be single-spaced and feature one inch margins all-around. You should use a size twelve Arial font, which should be used in typing the resume, as well. Spelling and punctuation errors must be absent. It must also be free of any grammar and punctuation mistakes, as well. It should appear to the reader that the writer had taken great care in executing this document.
Second, the opening paragraph needs to specify the position being applied for, and how it was brought to your attention. This needs to be stated because it is possible the company you are writing to may be looking to fill more than one position. They would also appreciate being made aware of which advertisement attracted you to the job, so they would know where to advertise for future job vacancies.
Third, emphasize those qualifications appearing on your resume that make you the best candidate for the position. Those qualifications must exactly match those typed in the resume. Make certain the career objective that is in your resume correlates with the position you are applying for.Finally, close your cover letter by providing a telephone number you can readily be contacted for further information, or to schedule an interview. Conclude the body of your letter by expressing gratitude for the reader's time and consideration. Your signed signature should appear above your typed signature, and should include the appropriate abbreviations for any earned, nationally recognized credentials. For example, if you are a licensed massage therapist, add the abbreviation "LMT" after your signature. If you earned a college degree, then add the appropriate abbreviation that denotes the degree ("AS" for Associate of Science degree, for example).
A well-written cover letter and resume are essential tools for acquiring the position that best suits one's knowlege, skills, and abilities. A poorly written one will simply end up in the reader's circular file.
