A cover letter is an introduction letter of yourself that accompany your CV/Resume when applying for a job.  In this letter you are making an important first impression, explaining who you are, why you are writing and why you are a good fit for the job.

Below are some tips for writing an effective Cover Letter:

Target the Right Person

Address your reader correctly.  Avoid using generic salutations such as “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern” this sound incredibly informal and reflects the interest of the writer to the employer. Start by making sure that you have the proper company name, address, and contact name included on the top of the letter.

Brief and Simple

Your cover letter should be brief and simple to hold the reader’s interest. It should be one page in length and must contain a font that offers a clean appearance and is easy to read, such as Times New Roman.

Components of the Letter

The body of your letter should be three paragraphs long:

• The first paragraph is your introduction and should state the position you are applying for and the name of the publication in which you saw the job posting.
• The second paragraph states why you are the best person for the desired position. In your letter use action verbs to emphasize one or two of your greatest skills or accomplishments that is an asset to the organization you’re applying to.
• In the third paragraph you are closing the letter. It should be a very brief and powerful closing, leaving the employer feeling confident about hiring you. Once again express your interest and request for an interview and suggest at a time that is convenient for the employer.

Proofread 

Proofread your letter for errors. Proper spelling and grammar are essential. Incorrect grammar and spelling errors are signs of carelessness and gives the reader a poor impression of the type of employee you are.