Writing a resume with all the required information, a list of accomplishments and formatted to draw attention; if you ask any job hunter it's a lot of work. Behind the finished product there are many drafts, critiques by knowledgeable friends and again more drafts as you uncover additional ideas.

For every resume you send out a well written cover letter must go together with the resume. Now there is more writing. Just like you adjust the resume according to the needs of the job applied for each cover letter must be an original document. No generic or form letter submissions. They definitely will not do the required job of properly introducing your qualifications in your resume.

There are some definite dos and don'ts in cover letter writing. Once you recognize the rhythm and how you will communicate the desired introduction to the resume the writing will become much easier.

An effective cover letter should follow these guidelines:

The challenge in writing an effective cover letter can take more time that the resume. The headline or first sentence can take some time to get right. Compare these two headlines:

A. Enclosed is my resume for the job of customer service manager that you advertised in the Sunday newspaper of May 22, 2011.
B. Effective customer service lessons were learned at the age of 12 when I ran a successful newspaper route.

Who is going to make the best first impression?

The cover letter should never go beyond one page. The job applied for can be on a reference line after the address and before the salutation. Like this, RE: Customer Service Manager, Post-Dispatch 5/22/2011. Keep the format, font, font size and margins, and type paper the same as the resume.

Definitely spend some time proof reading and checking for possible grammar mistakes. Send it flat, never folded in a 9x12 envelope, paper clip the letter to the resume.

Always send the cover letter to a specific person. Never send a "to it may concern." This smacks as a form letter and will soon be rejected.

Keep the cover letter centered on the needs of the employer. Continuing the above examples:

A. The job announcement sounds like just the type of customer service position so I can further my career.
B. Bringing these customer service lessons and more to the Customer Service Manager position would provide considerable value to your customers and positive benefits to your company.

Again who would you want to talk to?

Now, in one or two short paragraphs, highlight your qualifications that match the needs of the job. Bring up something relevant that is not in your resume. Perhaps, the most valuable customer service lesson learned when running your small business at age 12?

Do some research on the employer. Briefly discuss how your skills may specifically help the employer. Never forget the cover letter is not about you but what you bring to help the employer.

In the last paragraph, thank them for their time, and indicate a time when you will call to set up an interview. Perhaps to discuss other customer service lessons learned at age 12.

With this well written cover letter do you think the employer would want to meet you? You bet they would.

John Groth has changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about changing careers, resume and cover letter writing and career planning at http://careersafter50.com. Discover how others over age 50, built winning career plans and found the right careers by effective job hunting and career planning after 50.