You need to send out a cover letter with your resume!

Are you even using a cover letter?

If you’re  not using a resume cover letter, you better start…9 times out of 10 an employer will request a cover letter with a resume submission.  Many businesses expect to receive cover letters attached to all resumes.  In fact, many now require them, especially with mailed in applications or resumes. If you are unsure as to how you can go about creating the perfect resume cover letter or at least one that can benefit you, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to creating the perfect resume cover letter, there are a number of important factors to take into consideration.  One of those factors is the job that you are applying for and the wishes of that company. It is common for some employers to list exactly what they want cover letters to include.  If you are given a sample or directions, you are advised to follow them.  Not following instructions can result in your resume, as well as your cover letter ending up in the “don’t call,” pile.

Some companies may have their own preference to what they would like included in a cover letter. That is why it is advised that you do not use the same cover letter for each resume that you send out.  Instead, you will want to create and distribute different cover letters for each employer that you have – customized for the specific job & employer! You can have a sample cover letter or a template to use, but it is advised that you take the time to personalize each cover letter.

Plainly state the position your applying for, ie; legal secretary - This will automatically set you apart from a good percentage of your competition.  Customizing each of your cover letters to the particular job that you are applying for is a great way to get yourself noticed, as you took a few extra steps not necessarily required.

Another one of the many ways that you can create the perfect resume cover letter is by being short and to the point. 

A cover letter should be at least three paragraphs and you should try to keep it to one page. It is advised that you do not use any colored fonts, as black ink should do.  It is also advised that you do not use any colored paper for your resume cover letter.  Some job seekers mistakenly believe that this catches the eye of those in charge of scheduling job interviews.  Yes, it may, but not always in the ways that you had hoped for.

List a few of your skills and qualifications and how they “FIT” into the organization – how will you specifically help their organization?  It is also important to keep this portion of your cover letter short and to the point.  Your resume will go into further detail – so just give a brief highlight of your skills.  Be sure to focus on those that apply directly to the job that you are applying for. 

The above mentioned points are all points that you will want to take into consideration, when creating a resume cover letter for yourself.