A frequently asked question is whether a cover letter is important. In fact, job seekers put so much time and thought to create a a resume and they believe that the cover letter is not required. But that’s wrong. This is of course because a resume is of limited value to an employer if he or she doesn’t know what kind of work you do. A cover letter tells exactly what is the job you are seeking and how qualified you are for that position.

A cover letter can explain what your resume can’t. For instance, you may don’t have job experience in your field, either because you want to change your career focus or you are working on something which does not related to your studies until you find the job you are seeking. A cover letter can explain these gaps in your employment history. If you think from an employer’s perspective how he will know if you are a good fit for his open position when you do not mention on your CV a related experience? Even, if you do not have the experience, cover letter can posses how the skills you have can be useful for the role which are not mentioned on your resume. All the gaps and circumstances of your resume can be explained through a strong cover letter.

The point of the cover letter is not to repeat your resume. Instead, it should be a unique page in which you expand the most relevant selling points of yourself and direct the employer into your professional history.

[h3 color=’16a085′]How to Write a Winning Cover Letter.[/h3]

[h4 color=’16a085′]🔎 Introduce yourself [/h4]

After reviewing the job description and doing your research on the company, sit down on your computer and introduce yourself in writing as if you were speaking to a colleague or someone new you have just meet. In the first paragraph, mention the position you are applying and why you are a great match for the role based on your previous experience, education etc.

[h4 color=’16a085′]🔎 Format it the right way[/h4]

A cover letter should fit on one page. Generally keep it to three or four paragraphs. Include your name and contact information at the top in a business letter format. Address the cover letter to the hiring manager who oversees the position for which you are applying. Be sure to spell the name of the manager right and include their title in the address portion of the cover letter.

[h4 color=’16a085′]🔎 Be concise[/h4]

Highlight special skills relevant to the position but do not repeat what you’ve said in your resume. Instead, use the cover letter to specify one or two accomplishments about your work history and identify key qualification about your self.

[h4 color=’16a085′]🔎 Be original [/h4]

Avoid to use cover letter templates or have someone else write it for you. Take time to write down your skills and anything relevant about yourself and then give it for a review to a friend with excellent grammar and spelling skills before you send it. It is good to let him know as well the job description in order to review it appropriately.

[h4 color=’16a085′]🔎 Closing Paragraph[/h4]

Close the letter by outlining your next steps, stating when you will contact the office to follow up and tell the employer you are interested to continue the conversation about the position. Thank the reader for his/her time and include a standard closing that you’d find in a business letter. If you are currently seeking for a job, do not understate the importance of a cover letter. We at JobWatch, hope you all the best and hopefully these tips will be useful to write up your cover letter.