It is all about the presentation, is it not? Including a cover letter as you attach the resume in the mail appears more professional and gives you a polished look. So, whether it is sending your resume to inform that you are looking out for vacant positions or enquiring about possible vacancies or applying for advertised jobs, the bottom line remains that you have to include your cover letter – you can’t really attach your resume and send a blank email to the prospective employer! Composing a cover letter also helps the potential hiring firm by making them aware of your career goals, qualifications and experience. It is always better for you to give the recruiters a brief idea about you before they go through your resume. With your crisp introduction in the form of a cover letter, the company can immediately decide if they have a position for you or not – basically, precious time saved. Read the following section to learn how you could tailor your cover letter to suit any job application!
Sample General Cover Letter
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Remember, the cover letter is probably your first interaction with the potential employers. Creating a good first impression will make the road to employment, a little less rocky and a lot smoother for you.
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After the salutation and the subject, include information like why you are writing, position you are applying for and source from where you learnt about the job vacancy in the first paragraph itself.
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Ideally, the second paragraph should include your educational qualification. Add in your achievements and accomplishments here and give a summary for your work experience.
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Write the letter with utmost confidence. The purpose is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job. Focus on your strengths and try to convey, to the reader, that his/her applicant search can safely end with you. Be careful to not repeat too many points that are already mentioned in the resume that you have enclosed with the letter.
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Coming to the third paragraph, express your thanks and mention a bit about how highly you think about the organisation that you are applying to. Mention the fact that additional information is included in the enclosed resume and show your enthusiasm to discuss your qualifications and abilities with them in a follow up interview. Sign off formally with a valediction.
Here is a sample of a general cover letter for you to refer when you are composing one for your own.
From:
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Subject: Your Name – Position that you are applying for!
To,
Name of your interviewer
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Name of your interviewer
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Please review my resume for the position of (mention the position that you are applying for) at (name of the organisation). I have found out about the vacancy on an advertisement in XYZ (mention the source here). The post interests me highly and I want to apply for the same.
I have a graduate degree in (mention the degree that you have) and started my career as a (mention your previous work experience here). I have also done a certification training course in (mention the most important training which relates to the job that you are applying towards). I have X (mention the number of years experience that you have) years of experience in this industry.
With firm determination in learning and grasping the fundamentals that could best utilize my potential and skills, I assure you that I would be an avid learner and grasp my responsibilities speedily. Your organisation has an excellent reputation and I would like to be associated with your admirable good-will to move on ahead in life.
Enclosed along with is my resume for your kind perusal. I am looking forward for an early and positive reply.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name
Date:
Location: