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The application for a professional position generally consists of two documents, a resume accompanied by a covering letter. This article describes the covering letter. While the resume is a somewhat generic document about yourself, that you may send unaltered to many different companies, the covering letter adds that personal touch for each specific job. A covering letter is a sort of a schematic about yourself. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm, and your intellect. Your cover letter and resume are usually all that a prospective employer has to decide whether or not you will reach the next phase in the application process--the interview.
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Here are a few tips for writing covering letters to be sent along with your resume.
The name and address of the company to which you are applying should be mentioned on each covering letter and you should address by name the specific individual who will process your application. If you do not know the name of the person, mention the designation of the person to whom you are applying. Each letter should also make specific references to the company and indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company is currently doing.
In addition to tailoring your application towards a specific job, the covering letter also allows you to highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills, and experience listed in your resume which might of relevance to that particular job. The covering letter also lets you specifically request an interview.
Covering Letter Contents
State the job you are applying for in the very first paragraph of your letter. Also mention how you learnt about the job, if you have any personal contacts in the company, this is the correct place to mention them. You should also state your general qualifications for the job. Keep this paragraph brief, perhaps two or three sentences.
In the body of the letter expand upon your qualifications for the position. Pick out the most relevant qualifications and job experience for the job from your resume and highlight them, discussing in detail, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Try to be as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.
In the concluding paragraph of your letter, you should request an interview (or some other response, if appropriate). State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration.
Format of the Covering Letter
The sample given below of a covering letter should give you a fair idea about the format of the letter.
Sample Covering Letter
B-5, Oakview Apartments
M.T.H Road,
Chennai 600049
September 04, 2008
To :
M/s XYZ Technologies,
1st Lane, Whannel's Road,
Chennai 600001
Kind Attn : Mr. Prince Godvin,
Human Resources Manager
Dear Sir,
Your advertisement for software engineers in the November issue of the Computers Today caught my attention. I was drawn to the ad by my strong interest in both software design and XYZ Technologies.
I have worked with ABC systems in developing database applications, and I also have substantial experience in the design of web application software. Because of this experience, I can make a direct and immediate contribution to your company. I have enclosed a copy of my resume, which details my qualifications and suggests how I might be of service to XYZ Technologies.
I would like very much to meet with you to discuss your open positions for software engineers. If you wish to arrange an interview, please contact me at the above address or by telephone at (91) – 9894758979.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Beni S. Gilbert
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