Properly Address A Cover Letter Alen Fidahic

A cover letter is a document, usually attached to your resume, where you are able to introduce yourself. The goal of a cover letter is to spark the interest of the possible employer. The employer will certainly go over your resume, but in your cover letter you can add style that cannot possibly be expressed or address in your resume. Visualize yourself as the employer; you go through hundreds of resumes, and may candidates qualify for the position. In a cover letter you write how you are qualified for the position in your own words and don’t follow an almost universal resume template. In a cover letter you can express yourself, unlike in a resume where all the information are facts about your qualifications. Here are some tips how to properly address a cover letter.

· The first obstacle in addressing your cover letter is to find out your intended contact. You can almost always find your contact at the company address or website.

· Never misspell your contacts first or last name.

· If you address your cover letter appropriately, by stating the employers name wherever you get a chance, you will have a greater chance of an interview.

· Addressing the name of your potential employer will guarantee the document ends up on the right person’s desk, and not a secretary’s.

· You should always start a cover letter with the employer’s suffix. Although stating “Dear” is just as effective.

· If there is not a direct contact, address a group of individuals. For example, “Dear Human Resources”.

· Never write “To who it may concern” because it is inappropriate and is actually extremely formal.

· Always review the criteria for the position you are applying, and explain how you have the needed qualifications.

· Do not inform the employer of what you want, but further concentrate on what you can do for the company.

· Make sure to carefully state in your cover letter why you are qualified for the position and why they should hire you. Do not continually brag about you qualifications, but state how they can be excellent for the career opportunity.

· When constructing a cover letter try to keep it simple with no fancy font. Also, try to keep it to at least one page.

A cover letter is almost as important as a resume because it adds a touch of personality, where as a resume cannot. It allows the author the opportunity to describe their skills and accomplishments, and how they can be incorporated into the position.

Resources

· “How to Address a Cover Letter”. eHow. How To Just About Everything. Dec. 7 2009.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2068856_address-cover-letter.html

·

Kendall, Pat. “Cover Letter Tips”. Advanced Resume Concepts. Dec. 7 2009.

http://www.reslady.com/coverletters.html