Cover Letter Content Checklist

for Resumes and Job Applications: 7 Steps to Writing a Cover Letter

If you are trying to land a great job, your cover letter content is going to be one of your best weapons. After all, even if you have great qualifications and an excellent resume, if you have a bad cover letter, your chances of getting someone to look at your resume are pretty low.

Cover Letter Content Checklist -- Step By Step

This is your chance to make a strong first impression with the employer. Use this opportunity wisely! Here are seven important steps to writing a cover letter that will get results.

Step #1 - Research the Job Target - First of all, before you even start writing, research your job target. Know the business so you can make your cover letter relevant to the job. A generic cover letter won't get results.

Step #2 - Grab Their Attention with Your Opening - Once you start writing, grab the employer's attention with your opening. Many people start out their cover letters in the same way, simply stating that they are interested in the job. Well, the employer knows that. Write something different - something that will make your cover letter "pop" out to them.

Step #3 - Keep it Short - Keep your cover letter short. Most employers will stop reading after about 15-20 seconds. A cover letter that is too long may not get read. Since your resume is probably only a page long, you definitely don't want your cover letter to be that long or longer. Keep it to about half a page for the best results. Make sure to write what job you are applying for and how you found out about it.

Step #4 - Use Bullets to Your Advantage - Bullets are great to use in a cover letter; however, most people don't remember to use them. They can make important points stand out on a page, helping to draw the employer into the essential content of your letter. You'll find them especially successful if you use them to show achievements or qualifications for the job.

Step #5 - Include Contact Information - Always make sure you include your contact information (if you want an interview). It would be tragic to have an interested employer pass you by because you forgot to include your contact information. All your contact information should be at the top of the letter, but restating it again near the bottom is a great idea.

Step #6 - Sell Yourself - Make sure your cover letter content helps to sell you. It should essentially be a sales letter about you. Don't be afraid to highlight your achievements and your abilities, but tie them into the needs of the specific job. State why you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Step #7 - Check and Edit - Once your letter is done, check through the letter and edit any problems. This means you should run spell and grammar check, then read through the letter again to make sure you didn't miss any mistakes. This way you are sure that the letter is perfect and ready to go.

Want free resume cover letter samples?

WE RECOMMEND: Find out what you absolutely should and should not include in your cover letter at expert-career-advice.com, where you can find free resume cover letter samples and many more helpful content suggestions.