A job application simply consists of a cover letter and a resume - The cover letter highlights your individuality and personality which should make you stand out from hundreds of other applicants. You may want to seek a cover letter professional if you consist of a more in depth training on how to write a cover letter.


In today's world that is more full of job seekers than job vacancies, human resources tend to be more selective when finding candidates for an interview. This is why you should use your cover letter as a tool to win the heart of a potential employer. Make sure you market yourself to create a positive first impression in the cover letter so that the employer reading your resume will shortlist you for an interview and could eventually offer you a job. A cover letter that is poorly written is more likely to get an instant rejection from an employer especially with the current job market.

As there really is no standard format for a cover letter, you are encouraged to write a cover letter, one at a time to apply for a position of your interest. A cover letter should not be generic which means you should not use the same cover letter for each companies you approach.

A well written cover letter should provide answers to what the employers want to know:

• Are you the person they are looking for?
• Do you have the education, work experience and skills?
• Can you handle the work demands, based on the job description?
• Have you shown a commitment to this particular field of interest?
• How well can you communicate with others?
• Are you a team player?
• Do you have any leadership qualities?

Below is a guideline for writing a good cover letter:

• Organize your thoughts carefully
• Express yourself clearly and reasonably
• Use strong action words to describe your achievements
• Use an active voice rather than a passive voice
• Avoid jargon, long sentences and bad grammar and spelling mistakes
• Limit the length to one page
  
• Proof read
  

Below is the layout of a cover letter:

1. The Opening
   • Include your name and address, the date, employer's designation and address, salutation and subject.

2. Introduction
   • Nominate the job for which you are applying for.
   • Indicate the source and date of the job information.
   • Mention your qualifications
   • Indicate your interests, career objectives or goals.

3. Sales Pitch
   • Highlight the requirements you match of the job.
   • State your relevant experience.
   • Give a brief summary of your educational achievements, experience, qualities, capabilities and skills.
   • Outline any further points related to the job and mention the resume that is attached.
   • Mention your interests in the organization and your reason for applying for that particular position.

4. Request For Further Action
   • Write that you look forward to a call or letter or state that you will follow up within three days for any further questions.
   • State your availability for an interview.
   • Thank the employer for his or her time and consideration.

5. The Complimentary Close
   • Remember to sign your cover letter and include your name. State your enclosures such as your attached resume, academic results or references.