#optimalresume

It is very important to include a cover letter for resumes that you send out to potential employers. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself and establish a line of contact with an employer. Cover letters show professionalism and allow your personality to show. Hunter, who says, "I need a job quick," should be careful not to overlook the important task of writing cover letters for resume packets.  Typical sample cover letters for resumes have two to three inches of white space on the top. And you want white space, it lets the cover letter breathe and encourages the recruiter to take her time.  

The cover letter is a key part of the information package received by a prospective employer because it introduces you and sets the stage for your resume. The letter often accompanies the resume through the hiring process so it can be read as many times as your resume.

A cover letter serves the purpose of asking for an interview. It can very well be the deciding factor in whether or not a potential employer even reads your resume.

Your cover letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. It should include your contact information, the date, the prospective employer's contact information, the salutation, the body of the letter, a closing, your signature, your name and "Enclosure" showing that your resume is enclosed.

You can begin the body of the letter by stating why you are writing. Make sure the reader knows the job for which you are applying. You might want to mention how you came to find out about the opening.

You can also include a short personal story that shows your passion for the type of work. For example, you might recall a certain class or a particular professor that heightened your interest in the field. The story should be genuine. You don't want it to sound corny.

Another good strategy is to use the letter to show how your qualifications match those needed for the job opening. You might even list requirements for the position and specifically say how your abilities meet them.

You can end by saying that you look forward to talking further with your potential employer. You should ask specifically for an interview and can even suggest a time that you are available to meet.

Make sure you customize each cover letter to fit the particular job. If you use a template, be aware that other job seekers might be using the same example. The last thing you want is for the person reading through a stack of applications to notice a similarity between your letter and another. Writing cover letters for resume packets can get you in the door for an interview. If you do a good job, you won't be saying, "I need a job quick," for very long.