Follow these rules.
- Always write to a specific person, not "to whom it may concern", or Dear Sir/Madam". To find out, call the HR department and find out whom the HR manager is, or the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work under. Use your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you?
- Always make sure you are 100% correct in spelling, grammar and facts. Use the spell and grammar checker from your word processor. If you are not very good or need more help, get someone to edit the letter.
- Research the target organization and include information or facts relating to your would be job or industry.
- Analyze the job. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for.
- Address how you will meet the employers' needs.
- Use a strong opening sentence. Do not use the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of … advertised in …". For example, if the job is for a sales manager, write something like "A proven track record in developing new business and increasing sales…" Design you opening to get the person to really read what you can do. Address the employers' needs identified earlier.
- In the body of the letter, show them that you can meet the needs of the employer. Use the job advertisement and your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you find out what are the important skills required for that job?
- Make your letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (unless you are in the arts.)
- Be concise. This is not you autobiography. Keep it to one page.
- Conclude the cover letter with "the contributions I'll bring to your company …"
- Make sure you include a P.S. in the letter. This is a little sales letter trick that works very well. In a sales letter it is often use as a call to action. Use it here as well. Say something like "I would love the opportunity to meet in person for an interview. I can be reached at ...".
- Use high quality paper.