7 Points to Keep in Mind While Preparing a Cover Letter

Is it a must? Yes, it is. A cover letter whether it is attached to a resume or is in the form of an email, simply tells the employer for which position you are applying & how fit you are for the job. It helps him to make a primary assessment regarding hiring you or not.

Importance  

•  A cover letter is read before the resume is and gives the first impression about you.
•  It tells the employer the role for which you are applying.
• It also points out how qualified are you for the role.
• It can also be used to provide additional information about you that is not in the resume.
• An important point to consider is that, a cover letter should only be used once i.e. each cover letter must be tailor-made for each job you seek.
•  It is said that, a striking cover letter is much more impressive than a well-structured resume. 

The Format

1. It should start with the date followed by your details like Name, Address, Phone Number & Email id.
2. Then comes the details of the employer. It should include his Name, Company Name, Company Address & Pin code. (Double-check the details entered by visiting their website or through other means. You don’t want to spoil your first impression.)
3. Salutation – make sure about the gender of the person you are addressing. (Dear Sir/Ma’am,)
4. First Paragraph – Your self-introduction, why they should hire you? This should brief your education, expertise & experience if any.
5. Second Paragraph – This should be a summary of your experiences and highlight your skill and training's received if it matches the job description. It will help the employers to understand how you will be an asset to the firm. This paragraph could be broken into two if required.
6. Signing Off – use Yours Truly/Sincerely/Faithfully and your full name with your handwritten signature. 

Remember

• Skills mentioned should be apt for the job.

• Keep it short and simple.

• Take extra care about the format.

• Include the job title.

• Do not copy; the content should be original and should exhibit your passion for the job.

• Proofreading is a must before you send the mail or take a printout.

• Research about the organization and the designation for which you are applying. Some points could be included which will give a boost to your cover letter. 

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