Cover letters can help those who are looking to make a decision between one potential worker and another
. As a matter of fact, cover letters play such an important role in the hiring process that if it is badly written, it could ruin any chances of landing the job. There are several basic rules that one should always follow when writing a cover letter:
1. Customize the cover letter to suit the exact job that you are applying) for. Do not make a cover letter that is suited to each position that you will apply to, make one specially for each job.
2. Use language that is easily understandable. This means that it isn't necessary to dress the cover letter up anymore than a standard letter would be dressed up.
3. Show what it is that can be offered for the company. Make sure to clearly state how, exactly, hiring you would enrich the company. Explain why you would be the best match for a certain position within the company.
4. Show what was most interesting about the job that you are applying to. Explain why it is that the job inspires you excitement and interest.
5. Tell the HR manager what makes THEM special, what makes this company the one company that gets your cover letter and resume. What is it that makes them stand out against all the other companies? Make these employers feel like they are the only ones that have your interest.
6. Show where the prior skills that are known and the ones that are required for the job match up. Be certain to expand upon this and get into great details.
7. Make corrections, spell check and make sure that the grammar is correct. Allow relatives or friends to read over the cover letter a few times before submitting it.
8. Be formal. Using a more formal style of writing allows objectiveness to be brought to the table and does not cloud a cover letter with talk of self worth.
9. Acknowledge and become what the employer wants. Make sure to show that what they desire is perfectly obvious and obtainable.
10. Define what strengths are possessed. Make sure to do so without overdoing it. Be sincere and straight forward but do not lie.
An additional tip is to explain each break in employment. Don't complain about past employers as that will not make future employers interested in hiring you. Simply explain calmly why it was that your previous job did not work out and why there was more than a two week gap between employment.