When you are writing a cover letter you have to keep in mind that it is an introduction to your resume and you are trying to get the employer to give you a call for an interview. Here are the main things you need to include in a Cover letter.

First off, you need to begin a cover letter with the correct information of the person doing the hiring. This would include their name, specific title, company name and complete address. For example:

April 13,2008

Mr. John Doe

HR manager

Acme Company

123 Happy Street

City, State 90210

Once you have the correct information for the cover letter heading you move into the Greeting of the Cover letter. This part is exactly what it means-a salutation or greeting to the person responsible for making the hiring decision. For Example.

Dear Mr. John Doe:

The first paragraph you write should accomplish two goals: make a connection and grab attention. Here is where you tell the employer where you heard about the open position, by doing so you are making a connection. You are also providing feedback, since they like to know what marketing method worked. For Example.

I am responding to the graphic designer position advertised in the Chicago Tribune.

By the way, this is one of the only times you start off a paragraph with "I" the cover letter is specifically tailored to the reader, so you use "you,""your," and "you're" as much as possible. Next is grabbing the employer's Attention. Not surprisingly, one of the best ways to grab an employer's attention is by complimenting their company. So you try a bit of strategic personal flattery...

I understand your company is a pioneer in the direct mail marketing industry.

Not only are you tooting their horn, you're showing him that you did your homework on the company. The body of the cover letter is where you get downright ruthless...because you're going to convince the employer that you're a perfect fit for their company. In the body you will answer the questions that the employer will have about you.

"Why should I hire You?"

"What makes you stand out from all the rest?"

By answering these questions, you talk about how your strong, related skills qualify you for the position. Keep in mind that you should highlight the skills and capabilities that are most important to the employer. By doing so, the body becomes an interest builder. It induces the employer to look at your resume to learn even more about your qualifications.

Now that you have sold yourself to the employer, you need them to do something about it. The close of the cover letter is where you get the employer to make a call of action. Here is an example.

At your convenience, I look forward to speaking with you early next week. I am available for interviews Monday through Friday between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

That's it. Powerful... Simple... and straight to the point.

The appropriate way to end the letter is with a "Sincerely," "Sincerely Yours," or "Yours Truly," Don't sound like you are desperate and don't try to get cute or creative. Well, there you have it That is how you should write a resume cover letter.

In Summary

If you payed close attention, it really isn't that hard to write an effective resume cover letter. A very good note to remember is to keep the cover letter to one page, anything more than that you should trim the fat off. Good Luck in your Job Search!

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Aseriah is a senior writer at Shiba Resume and has written over 300 professional, entry-level, and recent graduate resume and cover letters. His clients have had an incredible successful interview landing rate of 100%. If you are in need of a professional resume writing service you can find his services at http://www.shibaresumes.com