how to write a cover letter for a job application

how to write a cover letter for a job application ? a good cover letter will make you a more attractive candidate by demonstrating:
•    Knowledge about the job, the company, the industry
•    Effort in your job search, motivation, and enthusiasm for the job
•    Professionalism and detail orientation
•    Writing skills
•    Organized thinking
•    Understanding about yourself
•    Energy and Motivation

What is a Cover Letter?
Your cover letter works in partnership with your resume to convince an employer that your skills and background make you a candidate worth interviewing. It’s your marketing tool!

Important things to do before you begin
•    Review the job description in detail.
•    List the skills and attributes the employer is seeking.
•    Identify how your qualifications match the skills and attributes.
•    Choose three to five matching skills and attributes to use in your letter.
•    Research the employer to identify important facts including products and services

Guidelines when writing a cover letter

1. Keep It Short
The ideal cover letter is about half a page long, and never exceeds one page. A concise letter
demonstrates that you are focused and have strong communication skills. Aim for two to four brief paragraphs. (Anatomy can be found on page )

2. State The Position
The recruiter who reads your letter may be hiring for several posts. While candidates who e-mail their resumes often include the job title in the subject line of their e-mails, if the recruiter prints a letter out before reading it, such information may be lost. Clearly state the job title in the first paragraph of the letter, preferably in the first sentence.

3. Explain Why You Want The Job
Candidates should always answer the question, Why do I want to do this work?. Ask yourself how the position fits into your overall career plans and what you find exciting about the particular sector. A genuine show of enthusiasm and knowledge will set you apart from those sending generic form letters.

4. Clearly Describe Ways You Will Contribute
After carefully reading the job description, write a paragraph outlining one or two specific examples of how your skills and experiences will fit the company’s needs.


5. Match, But Don’t Reiterate, Your Resume
This is one point many job seekers find tricky. You should never claim experience in your cover letter that isn’t reflected on your resume. At the same time, your cover letter shouldn’t simply restate your resume. When you explain the ways you will contribute, refer to an experience or skill on your resume to show how you will add value to the company.

6. Don’t Say You’re Not Qualified
Even if you think the position is out of your reach, your job is to convince the recruiter you are
qualified. If the recruiter thinks you’re unqualified, a confessional letter is not going to get you
interview. Keep the letter positive by focusing on your transferable skills and unusual accomplishments.

7. Keep The Tone And Content Professional
Don’t be a comedian, don’t get really personal, and don’t beg for the job.

8. Tell The Reader What You’re Going To Do Next
Too many job seekers never follow up after sending a resume. Clearly explain in your letter the manner in which you will follow up and when you will do so. If the job post lists a phone number, indicate you will call within a specified time to arrange an interview. If not, consider calling anyway, unless the post specifically requests “no calls.” You may also consider a follow-up e-mail if you sent your resume electronically.

9. Proofread
Again. Using a spell checker is not enough. Many recruiters will dismiss even the most qualified candidate if there is one typo in cover letter or resume. Reread your letter two or three times, then give it to someone else who knows a thing or two about good writing. Even if your letter is free of typos, poor grammar also makes a bad impression.

This is sample for how to write a cover letter for a job application :

Your Name
Your Street Address
Your City, State ZIP
Your Phone Number
Your Email Address

(skip one line)

Date

(skip 2 or 3 lines)

Person's Name (correctly spelled)
Job Title or Department
Company Name
Street Address
City, State ZIP

(skip one line)

Dear Name: (e.g. Mr. Smith:) Use a colon, not a comma.

(skip one line)

Introductory Paragraph: Why are you writing? Who referred you, if anyone? How did you learn about the position or company? What are you looking for?

(skip one line)

Body of Letter: Express your knowledge of the organization and your ability to perform the job. Highlight 2 or 3 relevant aspects of your background that you feel are important qualifications for the position and elaborate briefly on each (education, experience, personal qualifications, etc.)

(skip one line)

Closing: State the action you expect (i.e. ask for an interview). Express your appreciation. If you plan on contacting the company, specify when you will call. If not, give any other contact information necessary.

(skip one or two lines)

Sincerely,

(skip three or four lines for your signature)

Your Name (typed)

Note for how to write a cover letter for a job application :  Some employers will express a preference between standard mail and email, while others will accept either.  There is no need for both.  When using email, use the cover letter as the body of an email and attach the resume as a Word or PDF document.  Another option is to simply cut and paste the resume to the body of the email. This may be preferable to employers who want to avoid virus attachments.  Just make sure the formatting on the resume stays the same.  Write a compelling subject line.