Whether you're submitting a resume cold or responding to a job posting, always include a cover letter. Yes, they're tedious to write, but a solid cover letter can make the difference between getting the job and getting nowhere.

Address the Recruiter: Start your letter with the date. Skip two lines and write the recruiter's full name, preceded by Mr. or Ms. Then, list the recruiter's title and the company name and address. If you don't know the recruiter's name, simply list the company name and address.

Say Hello: Two lines below the header, greet the recruiter with "Dear Mr." or "Ms.", followed by his/her last name and a colon. Don't use the first name, even if you've met the recruiter before; it's unprofessional to be immediately informal. If you don't know the recruiter's name, address the letter, "To Whom It May Concern."

Introduce Yourself: State your letter's purpose in the first paragraph. Tell the recruiter which position you're applying for and why it interests you. Briefly list your top qualifications. If you're responding to a job posting, mention where you saw it.

Sell Yourself: The second paragraph is the most important: It's your sell. Summarize your credentials, but don't reiterate your resume. List your most relevant accomplishments from previous jobs, internships or volunteer work. Emphasize your qualifications for the job by highlighting applicable skills. If you're responding to an ad, you have an edge: You already know the job requirements. Make sure you address them.
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Flatter Your Reader: The third paragraph should clarify why you want to work at this particular company. Explain why you and the company are a good fit. Show the recruiter that you've done your research. Mention a recent company event or express your interest in an aspect of the company that isn't widely known. Remember, everyone loves flattery, but don't go over the top.

Follow-Up: Your final paragraph should be only a few sentences. Thank the recruiter for reading your letter, then request an interview and provide your phone number. Or, be proactive and state that you'll call in a week to follow-up. Then do it.

Wrap It Up: Two lines below the last paragraph, conclude with "Sincerely,". Three lines below that, type your full name. Don't forget your signature.

Leave a Great Impression: Three lines below the finish, type "Enclosure" (referring to your resume). You'll look professional, detail-oriented and oh-so-savvy.

The Quick List

* Do not send form letters. Tailor each letter to the company, department and, if possible, specific position. The extra effort pays off.


* Recruiters read hundreds of cover letters. Brevity is key. Keep the letter to one page.


* When touting your achievements, be confident but don't exaggerate, brag or lie.


* Read, edit and re-read your letter for typos. Ask a friend to read it, too.

A cover letter's strength lies in its language and detail, so do your research and take your time. Use a professional tone, but don't be stiff. Be yourself. Take advantage of this opportunity to show off your dynamic personality as well as your skills.

That is a great one.

This kind of letter which looks formal, do you still use yours SINCERELY OR FAITHFULLY at your closing end?

I stand to be corrected.

thanks dekemena for takin time out to type all u sent.i believe a lot of people would benefit from this.
Thanks again

Dekemena - This is absolutely wonderful, may God continually Lift His hand to Help you as you my Broda have Lifted yurs to help others, i have had some problems with Cover letters to the Extent that i had to start downloading Materials If any one is interrested, i got this book at a steep price, it has a lot of sample keywords.
The Title of the Book is 2500 Keywords to Get hired(1.29MB), If any one doesn't mind i wud attach the book as an attachment and send it to their mailbox from this Thread

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your effort in doing this .I hope to write a cover letter today.
Thanks a lot.

@Fabiyi
To answer your question, you write yours SINCERELY when you have addressed someone by name and yours FAITHFULLY when you have used Dear Sir/Madam. You can get more on this and many more when the website (www.smsjobsearch.net) becomes fully operational.

thanks Guys for all ur comments.

Segunb,

Pls do send that book to me. My email address is "eesaah@gmail.com".Thanks

Thank you for the information.It will surely come in handy

Segunb,

I'd love to read the book, here's my email address Bleep.

Thank you

Hi segunb,

Pls i would appreciate if u can send to me.my address is osamkuda@yahoo.com

Hi Segunb, i really appreciate the wonderful work you are doing. i will love you to send the book as an attachment to my e-mail ogbasp@yahoo.com Thanks a bunch

pls send me d book.my add is awelity@yahoo.com. i realy luv it.

Segunb

pls. kindly send d book to me as attachment on ahmedisah@yahoo.com

please, ill also like acopy of the book. my e-mail is xtoekpo@gmail.com. thax guys. peace!

men thanks a lot for ur info. i just draftd one from it now. thanks a lot! take care

good job

segunb,
i will also appreciate it if can kindly send that book to me also. my e-mail is abayo2083@yahoo.com
thanks man.

segunb,
Tanx,i will like to have the book as well.my email addy is titiade@yahoo.com.God bless u real gud.

add me too: acegery@yahoo.com

Hey, could I get it too: ride4j@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks Dekema

Hello, that's awfully nice of you to offer everyone your materials on C.V and cover letters. KUDOS!!!
I'll like a cope forwarded to my mail kakameks@yahoo.com if it's not tomuch trouble. Once again thanks.

hey seeee and mii 2, ikejoe121@yahoo.com
tanx!!!!!!!!!

Segunb,
            Tanx 4 dis great contribution. Pls also send me the book. This is my email is
                                    imunest2003@yahoo.com

@dekemena, pls send one for me abeg! this is my mail address: jagalochris@yahoo.com
I appreciate the good work you are doing.
may God bless you.

jagalo!