A cover letter is the one thing that sets you apart from other job applicants. It's your opportunity to let the employer know that you are the person they are looking for. A well written letter will make the employer want to invite you for an interview. This letter needs to be compelling. Here are five ways to ensure that you capture the attention of your potential employer:

1. Name - Always address the letter to the right person. Don't use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To The Hiring Manager'. This is the number one thing that irritates employers and may stop them from reading your letter further.

2. Appearance - Make sure your letter is typed neatly onto one side of an A4 sheet. If possible, use the same font type as your resume, this gives a professional look. Use white or cream coloured paper. Separate your paragraphs so that it looks easy on the eye. Don't use 'funny' fonts. This is a business letter not a letter to a friend.

3. Proof read - Don't spoil a brilliant covering letter with typos, bad spelling and grammar mistakes. Proof read it several times. Get a friend to read it for you. Other people often spot mistakes that you don't notice.

4. Don't rehash your resume - Your cover letter needs to highlight the qualities you have that match what the employer is looking for. Make it individual to the company's requirements. There's no need to relist all your qualifications, the employer can find all that on your resume.

5. Give, don't take - Your letter is all about what you can do for the employer. It's not about what the employer can do for you. This is not the time to mention your holiday and pay demands.

Bear the above in mind when writing your cover letter. You want to give yourself the best possible chance of getting an interview. Good luck!

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