Introduction:

Cover letters are a unique part of the application process. Most of the cover is spent recapping things that the employer probably already knew, and the entire document must conform to a certain style that has existed in the corporate world for decades.
Yet cover letters are also one of the most important parts of the application process. They are your only chance to actually speak to your potential employee directly, and although they may not say very much, what they say may be the difference between you getting a call back for an interview and being left behind.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter:

Cover letters are designed to complement the resume. Rather than simply mention the same items found in your resume, the cover letter is designed to make those items come to life or address any additional benefits to hiring you.
Resumes discuss what you have done in the past. They go over where you have worked and where you received your education. Cover letters allow you to discuss the present. They allow you the opportunity to share what qualifies you for the position with the employer. They are your way of making sure that the employer looks at your resume to see how you fit into the role, rather than looking at the resume as though it is a bunch of facts on a piece of paper. There are employers who will immediately reject all resumes without cover letters. Always send a cover letter with your resume as a sign of respect and a chance for you to introduce yourself on paper.

Graduates and their Cover Letters:

Recent graduates tend to have the most problems with their cover letters. This is mostly due to inexperience with cover letter writing. Writing a great cover letter is a skill. If you do not know how to write the cover letter correctly, you will harm your chances of getting the job. In this guide, we will go over many of the common mistakes that recent graduates make when they write up their cover letters, and hopefully by avoiding these mistakes you will put yourself in the best position for landing the position

Improper Cover Letter Format ::

The most common mistake graduates make is not formatting their cover letters correctly. Cover letters have a strict format. They are expected to follow a specific style. They are expected to look a certain way and have information in specific places.
Cover letters are probably too strict, but until they are changed, you should expect to write your cover letter using the same old boring format in the same manner as everyone else. Hiring managers read cover letters and look to see if you were able to follow the rules, because your ability to follow the rules is going to be a part of your future career.
It is widely believed that cover letters should be wordy documents that go on and on about how great you are for the company. This is not the case. Cover letters should be short and to the point, and should be no longer than one page.
There are two reasons for this:

1. Hiring managers have limited time in general, so reading long cover letters is not one of their favorite tasks.
2. If your cover letter is too long, you should question whether it is in the right format or written correctly.
3. A one page cover letter may not give you enough room to truly describe or sell yourself on paper. However, do it right and your chance of getting a call for the interview will increase. You can then sell yourself at the interview. At this point your goal is to get a call for the interview.

How the Cover Letter Breaks Down::

Cover letters start with a basic format. First you must put down contact information, dates, etc., followed by the actual letter and end with a closing farewell. Below is how your cover letter should be written:

• Your Contact Information –
  The first thing you should do is put your name and address on the top of the cover letter.
• Date –
  Make sure if you are reusing the same cover letter that you remember to change the date.
• Employer Contact Information –
  It is traditional to put the employer’s name and address on the cover letter, even if you are emailing it in.
• Greeting –
  If you know the person that is receiving the letter, you should write “Dear Mr(s). Name.” If you do not, you can start with “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom it May Concern.”
• Body of the Letter –
  The body of the letter is broken down into three paragraphs. Each paragraph serves its own purpose and is expected to be written exactly in this style containing this same information.

First Paragraph –

All you include in your first paragraph is the position you are applying for, where you found the job listing, the name of someone within the company that recommend you apply (if any), and a very brief sentence about what they will see about your candidacy (“I am confident that my work experience, education and goals make me the perfect fit for your company.”).

Second Paragraph –

The second paragraph is where you start to explain why you are a great candidate. You should address how your qualifications meet the needs of the open position, using specific examples, expertise, skills, accomplishments, etc. DO NOT RAMBLE. It is here that many graduates start to become overly wordy. Try to keep this between 3 and 5 sentences.

Third Paragraph –

Concluding your letter should be short and to the point. Quickly (within one sentence) recap why you are perfect for the position and mention how they can contact you and
when you are available for an interview. It is best to be fairly open with your schedule.

Sign Off –
“Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” are good endings to the letter. Underneath you should hand type
your name and hand sign the letter if you are sending it in by email.

Stick to the Format

Cover letters are admittedly limiting, but following the correct style is your way of showing hiring managers that you know how to follow the rules. While a long cover letter may give you the best opportunity to share all of your thoughts, hiring managers are short on time and want to know that you know how to present yourself correctly. Following the format ensures that you meet both of those goals.

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