what would you say in a cover letter for a job? and how would you lay it out and present it?

Answer 1

Dear (name) <--if you don't have a name, dear "hiring manager" will do as an okay substitute

I am applying for (position X). I found this job by (x,y,z). (Now write a sentence that states briefly where you are at in your life right now, i.e., "I just graduated x university with a degree in..." or "I have been working 5 years in the x field as a x.")

Second paragraph, justify how exactly you are qualified for this position. Pick up words directly from the job description (if it requires a degree say and two years of experience you might say "I have a bachelor of arts in x from x university and have been working 2 years in x field as an x"). Go over the specific line items that are in "job duties" as well. If they want someone who has experience working with x system and you do say "I have been working with x system for over a year now and have cut in half the time it took my employer to process x,y,z." So when they have a requirement, you give a sentence on the fact that you've worked with it, and also explain exactly what you accomplished with it and how that helped your employer. Make the second paragraph maybe 4-5 sentences long, touch on all your strongest of points and be sure to address specifically many of the important points in the job description.

Third paragraph (optional) if you have something strange in your resume (i.e., a year where you didn't work) explain it here. Anything that looks weird to an employer looking at your resume, address it specifically here with a valid reason.

Last paragraph. Briefly restate your wanting to work at their company because you think you will be a valuable asset in their x department. Thank them for their time reading your resume and say you hope to hear from them soon.

Answer 2

A cover letter is divided into about 3 paragraphs. The first paragraph states what position you are applying for and where you found out about the job.

The second paragraph talks about your skills and experience. Don't just rewrite your resume, use it as a chance to explain your resume.

The third paragraph is a closing, gives your contact information, and say something about following up. Don't put the next step on the employer. Be sincere, try not to use a canned line.

Keep your cover letter to one page, you don't want the employer to have to read a lot, they don't have time and will likely pass yours over if it is too long.

Don't send out the same letter to all the places. Make sure to add details that show you have researched their company. For example, "XZY company is a fast growing technology company. I feel that this will provide me with a great opporunity to grow alongside" (well, not in those words, but that general idea!)

Good luck. I too am looking for a job...it sucks!

Answer 3

Highlight your main qualifications and the skills that make you suitable for the job. It should reflect (repeat) what's on your cv, pointing out the bits you especially want te employer to notice. 3-4 paragraphs. 1 - 'I wish to apply for...' 2: qualifications, 3 - experience, 4 - skills, sign off.

Answer 4

I've replied to your other question - the template also includes facilities for writing the cover letter.