How to write a Cover Letter

Job related correspondence includes

• Job Application Cover Letter
• Letter of inquiry
• Job application cover letter
• Thank You Letter
• Acceptance Letter
• Declination Letter

General Guide Lines for writing Job related Correspondence

• Focus on your qualifications and experience and why you fit the job profile.
• Use simple and clear English. If you are applying for a technical job, make sure that a non technical person is also capable of understanding your CV.

Correspondence to business and organisations has to be written in a formal manner. A cover Letter should never be longer than one page. Mention achievements or strengths, apart from your qualifications and job experience. Your letter should be address to a specific person. Job research is very important. One of the results of your job research should be the name of the person responsible for the recruitment.

• Do not send a hand written cover letter if you are not asked. Make sure that your letter and CV are similar in style.
• Use top quality stationary. The envelope, the paper and the style of your CV stationary should match that of the cover letter.
• Make sure that whatever you write in your cover letter is backed up by facts or at least be able to convincingly back them up in the interview.
• Convey your enthusiasm about the job opportunity. You have to show that you are confident in your expectations about the job selection but do not be 'cocky'.
• Sign your cover letter and write your name in block capitals under your signature.

In all cases make sure you follow the Guide on writing Job related Correspondence which gives a lot of specific tips on writing different types of Cover Letters.