Using a cover letter template when job hunting is a logical and
time saving measure. Your time is limited, so writing one basic one and
using it as your template will simplify the application process, making you
more efficient and hopefully employed all that much faster.
A basic template can be either bulleted sometimes called an Executive
Summary or in paragraph form. The paragraph form of cover letter
template is more traditional and preferred by many for the neat appearance
it presents. Since hiring managers are busy however, the bulleted format
does have advantages. This cover letter template allows you to make quick
changes in the emphasis you are placing on your skills in case there is
more than one type of job for which you are applying.
A good bulleted template will begin with the date, address and
salutation. Then it should reference the position applied for. Open the
template itself with a short paragraph highlighting your primary
qualification, such as years of experience, and state that you can make a
strong contribution to the company. Then back up what you've said with at
least two bullet point paragraphs, each listing some of the key
qualifications that your resume lists. You've heard the old saying "tell
them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what
you told them." This is the place for that.
Your last paragraph should be upbeat and point out that you can make
valuable contributions to the organization, list your contact phone number
again, and thank the reader for his or her time.
A good template emphasizes the contributions the applicant can make to the
prospective employer. Employers don't really care about what you want,
they care about what you can do for them, and your cover letter template
and resume should reflect that truth.
An alternative to the bulleted template is the standard paragraph formatted
cover letter template. It begins as the bulleted one does, with the date,
salutation and standard formal correspondence protocols. It will then have
three or four paragraphs in block format that point out your years of
experience, education and other qualifications in the first paragraph,
followed by the second paragraph where you state your desire to join the
organization. The third paragraph should go into more detail concerning
experience and qualifications. For instance, stating that your skills are
in personnel supervision, or in operations management. List a recent
accomplishment in this paragraph to back up your earlier words. In the
last paragraph point out the obvious it never hurts. Let the reader know
that your resume is enclosed and you would like to meet with him soon to
exchange ideas. State that you will call him in the next few days if you
feel it appropriate, otherwise restate your contact phone number and email
address and your availability to meet. End it with your signature and the
word "enclosure".
This cover letter template also emphasizes what the applicant can do for
the company by citing experience. If you follow either of these listed
here you should have good success.
Are you guilty of sabotaging your own job search along with the opportunity to earn more money? Heather Eagar, a former professional resume writer and creator of ResumeLines.com, provides reviews of the top resume writing services that put you
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