It is very easy to write a cover letter. Just one page to fill up and it is ready to go. However, you should remember that a cover letter is your tool to getting that interview and hopefully thereafter, the job. It is very important therefore to be able to utilize the cover letter to its fullest. To be able to do that, you should first find out the contents that should be written in a cover letter. It is also a must to know the acceptable format or template for cover letters. The internet provides numerous tips and guidelines, samples of letters and various formats and templates that you can use to assist you in writing your cover letter. However, since there are thousands to choose from, you might get lost on what to use.



The format of a cover letter, although may vary a little in some styles, would still be basically uniform in the form and content. Once you already know the most important details to be included in the cover letter, it is now time to put it in form.

The letter should be able to provide impact. It is not done by using colored or perfumed stationery or funny fonts. That is not the impact you would want to get. The impact would greatly depend on its content. Equally important however, is the format of the cover letter. The format you employ could show your neatness, organization skills and even you intellect. The format to follow are the basic format of a typical business letter that we learned while in elementary school. It is advisable to use either block or full block format of letter writing since it is a business letter. The internet provides guidelines for this in case you need to refresh your mind on how to do it.

To illustrate more clearly, I will enumerate the cover letter format that would surely get the interest of the employer. Foremost of course is the your name and address on the first and second line of the letter. All information you will write should start from the left margin since it is in block type. Allow one space and then write down the date on the next line. Allow another space then write down the employer's name and title followed by the designation on the next line, then the name of the organization and address on the succeeding lines. Put in 2 spaces then type the salutation. The salutation should contain the correct title of the addressee, e.g. Dr. or Atty., then the surname and colon. Put in 2 line spaces then write down as subject the position you are applying for. This line is optional but I believe it to be useful for classification purposes.

Allow again for 2 more spaces and start with the body of the letter. It is advisable to have three paragraphs, double space between paragraphs. The first paragraph should contain your statement on why you are interested in this job. This should also contain the reason for writing, the position you are applying for and how you come to know about the opening. Find out something about the company and indicate that in you first paragraph, with the explanation on how you could contribute to the company.

This might be the primary detail that could capture the employer's interest since it is their foremost concern to know if you are what they need. The second paragraph should indicate what you have to offer. The goal here is to specify your experiences, knowledge and skills. You have to be precise and brief . Highlight details that could help you get the job. The third or concluding paragraph should contain information on how you could be contacted or how you will follow up without sounding too assertive. You should be able to close you letter in a respectful and professional way. You should also thank the employer for his time. Put one space then write down the closing, e.g., Sincerely yours or Respectfully yours. Another space and to finish, sign the letter. You may now send that it with your resume and wait for that call.