A cover letter should accompany any resume that you send. The cover letter gives an opportunity to highlight and amplify key information in the resume; to address directly the needs and interests of the employer; and, to suggest the areas in which your skills match the organization's needs.

The cover letter should always be individually created for each employer and printed on paper that is identical, or at least similar, to that of the resume. It should be no more than one page long and business-like in appearance. Whenever feasible, address the letter to a specific person, preferably the one who is likely to make the employment decision.

The cover letter is as important as the resume because it is the first thing that is seen by the employer. An excellent cover letter can help your resume to stand out from others received for the same position. If you feel that your writing skills are weak, or that you don't want to waste a lot of time "reinventing the wheel," you should consider getting a copy of a book that has sample cover/marketing letters that are effective and can be adapted to your situation. One very helpful book is 200 Letters for Job Hunters. This book provides letter formats for a wide variety of situations. It also helps you to use phrases and formats that have been proven to get results.

Strategies for a Good Cover Letter

1. Create each letter individually. (This process is greatly facilitated by having the basic formation a computer that you personalize for each employer.)

2. Address each employer by name and title.

3. Open your letter with a strong sentence that indicates why you should be seriously considered for the position.

4. Appeal in your letter to the needs of the person to whom you are writing. Suggest how hiring you will lead to higher production, greater efficiency, reduced waste, better sales, higher profits, etc.-that is, things that will help solve the employer's problems.

5. If at all possible, include some challenging thoughts that will cause the employer to feel that a discussion with you would be worthwhile even if he or she really hadn't been planning to hire anyone right now. 

6. Whenever possible (such as in letters to nearby employers), bid directly for an interview and indicate that you will call to arrange a suitable time. Without being arrogant, make them feel that declining your request would be an act of sheer irresponsibility simply because you obviously have so much to offer!