A good cover letter can easily set your resume apart from all the others, which pass from the employer's desk. All you have to do is make sure that your cover letter stands out. Whenever you respond to an advertised job posting, whether it is through a letter, fax or e-mail, you always have to include a cover letter along with your resume. You must always treat it as a part of personal marketing, which will fetch you consideration and merit. A cover letter is a document that is introducing your resume and you.
Always aim to make it enticing for the reader, so that he/she takes extra time out to consider you amongst all the other applicants. While we cannot give you the sure-shot formula for writing a good cover letter, as they have to be personalized not like the standard documents, just follow some basic guidelines to make sure that you get positive response.
Typed or handwritten cover letter both can be acceptable and the opinion cannot be divided on this issue. However, increasingly, recruiters always ask applicants to e-mail their cover letters. Whatever method you choose for application, make sure that your letter is clear, neat and well presented on paper of the same quality and size as your resume. Check once, twice and thrice for any spelling or grammatical errors. Your letter has to address the relevant contact, the name of the concerned person. Unlike resume, you are allowed to write your covering letter in first person style.
The content in your cover should always be structured and brief, avoid using lengthy repetitions of information that has already been covered in your resume. First, you will have to clarify the approach. If you are writing in response to an advert, then mention that. You will have to state briefly why an employer should meet or employ you. You must leave the reader with an impression that you are the most potential employer that his/her workforce can have.
Here is a sample of a financial advisor cover letter that you can use as reference. However, do not copy-paste the same, as this will give a negative impression. Draft a new cover letter for your job post.
Your Contact Information
Megan Mccombs
2108 West Street
Grand Rapids, MI49503
Mobile: 616-617-4583
E-mail id: m.megan@example.com
Employer Contact Information
Ms. Jennifer Semon
Stardust Financial Service
142 Tenmile
Hampton, VA23666
Date:
Dear Ms. Semon,
With this covering letter and attached resume, I would like to express my interest in the job position of a Financial Advisor. I submit my qualifications and interest in working with your reputed organization.
I have been working as a financial advisor for Premium Financial Solutions since the past ten years. During this time, I have achieved a huge network of happy and satisfied clients. I got to learn the ins and outs of the entire investment market, and found all the successful financial choices for every client of mine. I want to keep moving up the ladder, and hence want to work for your organization. I can assure you that all my experience and positive clientele will be achieved at your organization as well.
I would request you to review my resume and would like to request a possibility for an interview. You can contact me at any time of the day at 616-617-4583 or e-mail me at m.megan@example.com. I await a positive reply from your side, thank you for giving your valuable time and considering my application.
Sincerely,
Megan Mccombs
Your Signature
Enclosure: Resume and References
Keep your cover letter short, simple and precise. Good luck!