The importance of cover letter when applying for jobs cannot be over emphasized, it carries almost same importance as your resume. A huge percentage of applicants never bother to include a cover letter in their job application (even when there is room to add this). You may not know, but lack of cover letter may be costing you the opportunity to get a job interview. When applying for job online, not including a cover letter may be costing you the chance for your CV to be even looked at! When you send an application through email or a site, the cover letter is displayed in the recruiter’s email while your CV is attached to the same email. If your cover letter is convincing, the next step is for the employer to download your resume/CV and then shortlist you, but when your cover letter is poor or not present your application is likely to be skipped. That’s how it works!

Now you know, don’t submit your next application without a properly written cover letter. Ensure you make no grammatical mistakes or tell lies in you cover letter.

Below is a cover letter guide/format that enumerates information you need to include in the cover letter you submit with your resume.

I advice you use the information below as a guideline to create customized cover letters.

Cover Letter Guide/Format

1) Contact Information
The first thing/section in your cover letter should include your contact information and the employer’s contact address if you have that (Note if you don’t have the employer contact information just list only yours.

Your Contact Details
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip/Postal Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address
Date

Employer Contact Details
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code

2) Salutation
The next thing after contact information is salutation.

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

3) Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter is where tell the employer what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.

First Paragraph:
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing.
Mention the position you are applying for. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one. Be clear and concise regarding your request. Convince the reader that they should grant the interview or appointment you requested in the first paragraph.

Middle Paragraphs:
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Make strong connections between your abilities and their needs. Mention specifically how your skills and experience match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it. Try to support each statement you make with a piece of evidence. Use several shorter paragraphs or bullets rather than one large block of text.

Final Paragraph:
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up. State that you will do so and indicate when (one week’s time is typical).

4) Complimentary Close:
Here you close your letter and include your name and signature.

Yours faithfully,

Signature: Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter) – Typed Signature (for online – usually your name)
I wish you all goodluck.