• Targeted

• Letter Directed To Recruiters

• Broadcast  

• Networking  

• General

• Letter in Response To Classified Advertising

• Application After Personal Meeting

All resume cover letters have one common objective, which is to sell you to the reader, get your resume noticed, and gain you an interview.

Cover letters include four main paragraphs:

1. A unique introduction that explains why you are writing. This opening must grab the reader's attention and make him or her want to read the rest of the letter. Provide some key information about you that is relevant and important to the company. This is where  researching a company makes a big difference. Make sure this opening paragraph is only a couple of sentences.

2. Your positive characteristics, which will answer the reader's question, "Why should we interview you?" More specifically, show how your experience and skills can fill their organization's needs. Take your past positive experiences and use them to explain what you can bring to the company. Use examples; they are a great way to demonstrate your skills. Make sure that the personal qualities you mention match the company's needs.

3. Your motivation; let the employer know why you want to work for their company. This gives the impression that you are not just looking for any position, but specifically one with their organization. This will put you a step ahead of the competition.

4. A closing paragraph which requests an interview. Try to make this part fresh, interesting, and relevant. Many people believe that the resume cover letter itself indicates you are asking for an interview, and therefore, they do not close with a request for an interview. Many times, the outcome is - no interview.

Remember, if you don't ask for something, you won't get it. Make it a strong call for action statement.

Don't forget to thank the reader for their time.

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