There comes a time in every job seeker’s life when he or she will have to draft and present a resume. Resumes have come to accompany and often replace traditional applications. They provide an opportunity for job seekers to put themselves out there and show what they deem to be their best qualities and assets. However, many applicants fail to present themselves in the best possible light by leaving out a simple component: the cover letter. This single piece of paper can make all the difference between being seen as a viable contender or fading into the pile. By following a few basic guidelines, it is possible to achieve that desired position or job with some cover letter help.

The purpose of the cover letter is to provide an introduction. It is what helps the employer or hiring manager decide that he or she wants to know more about the applicant, via the resume. It also gives clues and evidence of what type of employee the applicant is and what can be expected should the company choose to hire him or her. Many insightful details and qualities pertaining to the candidate’s habits can emerge from this document.

There are several key details that employers and hiring managers are looking for in a cover letter. A cover letter shows the reviewer what the applicant’s goals and strengths are, and how those goals and strengths align with those of the sought company. The letter also reveals specifics about the work habits and attention of the applicant by way of grammar and punctuation correctness. Perhaps the most important information provided is an overall view of what type of person is seeking employment. This is the place where the aspirant sells himself or herself as the ideal candidate. Employers and hiring managers want to have faith that this is the person they are looking for.

Knowing what principle elements to provide the reviewer with can be a major advantage for the applier. The opening paragraph should include a brief introduction, expression of interested position, and an explanation of how the job or position availability was located. The next paragraph is where the applicant shows how his or her skills and experience align with the specific job or position and company as a whole. This is where the seeker must “sell” what he or she has to offer. The next paragraph is where the seeker displays his or her knowledge of the company or employer. It is also where all loose ends are wrapped up and tied to the central goal of the letter. Cover letters should be finished with a notice of appreciation for the time involved, requests for follow-ups and interviews, and explanation of where additional information may be found.

In addition to content, potential employers and hiring managers look for presentation that they feel is appropriate for the job or position. Letters that are too long may be seen as information plugging, embellishing, or show lack of ability to express ideas efficiently. It is important to be brief, but direct in your submission. Another major factor that can have an effect is overall style. Letters that are too flashy or embellished may be taken as proof of weak content. The simpler the style, the more professional it comes across.

The cover letter should precede the resume. It should serve as not only an introduction to your skills and experiences, but also as a guide for enclosures and additional information. All presented documents and items should be clearly cataloged on the cover page and attached in the order specified there. Also, the time and method for which the candidate plans to follow up with the employer or hiring manager should be noted on the cover. This allows for ease and clarity.

There are several types of resources available for finding cover letter guides and instructions. Many websites and books provide basic outlines and directions for creating a letter. For those in need of specific help, downloadable templates are available. The easy-to-use templates are fill in the blank. The most common place to find these is word processing programs and their corresponding websites. Templates come in a wide variety of styles and inclusions, based on profession and need. They can also be personalized as needed.

As the world turns to resumes for finding worthy job aspirants, it is critical for one to set himself or herself apart from the masses. Including a brief, detailed cover letter, full of pertinent information can do just that. With a little extra work and effort, the right job or position may be just around the corner.