Cover Letter Writing Guide

Cover letters for resumes, including what to include in your cover letter, how to write a cover letter, cover letter format, targeted cover letters, and cover letter samples and examples.

Cover Letter Writing
A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

Types of Cover Letters
When you are job hunting, it's important to choose a type of cover letter that is appropriate for how you are applying for a job or requesting job search assistance. Here are the different types of cover letters and information on when each should be used.

Cover Letter Format
Your cover letters should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues including why you are writing, what you have to offer and how you will follow up.

What to Include in a Cover Letter
When you are a writing a cover letter, there is specific information that needs to be included. Your cover letter will include a contact section, a salutation, information on why you are qualified for the job, a closing, and your signature.

Targeted Cover Letters
How to write a targeted cover letter that shows how you are qualified and why you should be selected to interview. Includes targeted cover letter samples and examples.

Cover Letter Writing Tips
Perfection matters when writing cover letters. Every cover letter you write should be customized for the job you are applying for, clear and concise, grammatically correct, and error-free.

Email Cover Letters
When you're sending an email cover letter, it's important to follow the employer's instructions on how to submit your cover letter and resume, and to make sure that your email cover letters are written as well as any other correspondence you send. Here's how to write and send email cover letters.

Parts of a Cover Letter
A cover letter is comprised of several parts: contact information, a salutation, the body of the cover letter, and an appropriate closing.

Cover Letter Salutations
When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to include an appropriate salutation at the beginning of the cover letter or message.

Cover Letter Closings
When you're writing a cover letter or sending an email message to apply for a job it's important to close your letter in a professional manner.

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter samples and examples, cover letter format, plus templates you can customize to create your own cover letters.

Cover Letter Checklist
Before you send your cover letter, review this checklist to make sure that you have covered all the basics and are sending a perfect cover letter to your prospective employer.