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10 Cover Letter Writing Tips
Top Ten Cover Letter Writing Tips and Techniques

By , About.com Guide

When you need to write a cover letter, it's sometimes the small things that make a big difference. Review these cover letter tips and techniques for writing top notch cover letters to send with your resume, including cover letter format and presentation, choosing a type of cover letter, writing custom cover letters, and cover letter examples and templates.

Select a Cover Letter Type

Copyrigth Pali Rao
There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects how you are applying for the job or the type of job search assistance you are requesting. Your cover letter should be designed specifically for the purpose you are writing and customized for each position you seek.

Start From a Cover Letter Template

Copyright Johnny Lye
A cover letter template can be a good way to get started writing cover letters to send with resumes when you apply for jobs. Use a cover letter template as a starting point for creating your own personalized cover letter.

Write a Custom Cover Letter

Copyright Pali Rao
It can be time consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort to show the company why you are a good match.

Format Your Cover Letter

Copyright Pali Rao
How you format your cover letter, both from a content (the information you include) and a presentation (what your cover letter looks like) perspective is important. Even when applying online or via email, your cover letter needs to be properly formatted, readable, and without any mistakes.

Write a Personalized Cover Letter

Copyright Alison Doyle
When it comes to cover letters, taking the time to get personal is really important. Find out as much as you can about the company and the hiring manager. Personalize your cover letter and, if you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.

Send an Email Cover Letter

Copyright Marco Volpi
The most important part of sending an email cover letter is to follow the employer's instructions. If the job posting says to include your cover letter and resume as an attachment, attach Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files to your email message.

Explain an Employment Gap

Copyright Yvonne Chamberlain
When you have recent gaps in your resume, whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap.

Review Cover Letter Examples

Copyright Alejandro Raymond
Take the time to review cover letter examples, then make sure that your letter explains how your skills relate to the criteria listed in the job posting.

Check Your Cover Letter

Copyright Kristian Peetz
Before you send your cover letter, it's important to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are sending a perfectly written and formatted cover letter to your prospective employer.

More Cover Letter Tips

Image Copyright Elena Aliaga
More cover letter tips and suggestions for writing cover letters which will help you stand out from the crowd.
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