How long should a cover letter be for a job?

Cover Letter for Job

Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression and it becomes all the more important when you are writing to the potential employer about a job opening. It is believed that employers may not look at cover letters for a job opening but don’t take the chance of being disqualified for not including one. Some key points to consider when writing a cover letter which sets you apart from other applicants –

• Be Specific: If possible, address the cover letter to a specific person rather than “To Whom it May Concern.” This would require best to research the person responsible for hiring. If it is not listed in the job description, call Human Resources or the Department and find out to whom it should be addressed.
• Sell Yourself: Please note a cover letter is not meant to repeat what is on your resume. It is an opportunity to give insight into your character, so it is suggested to sell your expertise, and display your interest and passion for the profile you are applying. The key is to maintain professionalism while showing personality.
• Send a PDF: Everyone opens a PDF file without conversion. So it is better you do not send your resume in any other format and force the person to convert the file. All PDF can’t be tampered and you have control of how it appears to someone else.
• Be Concise: As a general principle, a cover letters must not be more than one page long and divided into three paragraphs,
  • First Para: Tell the reason you are writing and how you heard about the position. Try to add attention grabbing, yet professional, information.
  • Second Para: Use the second paragraph to explain your qualifications and highlight using examples how your skills, experience or research match what the employer is seeking.
  • Third Para: This paragraph should be used as a closing paragraph to thank the reader for their consideration and to request an opportunity to meet to discuss the position further. Do not forget to provide your contact information so the employer knows the best way to reach you.
• Customize: When you are on look-out for job there are chances that you are sending out cover letters and resumes to multiple organizations, but your template should not let the employer know that you are using a generic template. It reduces your chances to get interview calls.
• Proofread: Most importantly proofread your cover letter, before sending. Any grammatical errors or spelling error can immediately disqualify you from being considered for the position. Such errors are treated as a sign of being careless and show your inability to write effectively by the employer. Always proofread and, if possible, ask someone else to proofread it as well, for opinion.

The primary purpose of the cover letter is to grab the reader’s attention by convincing them you are a great candidate. Your cover letter should be appealing that forces the reader to go through your resume and profile, and call you in for an interview.