What Essential Steps to Take Before You Start Writing a Cover Letter

As with any writing process, compiling an effective cover letter is just that: a process. And with any process, there are some steps that you need to take to fully understand the purpose and mission of what you are writing. The same is true with CV letters-before you put your fingers to the keyboard and start typing away on yours, you want to cover a few things before you even date the document.

First, make sure your resume is up to date and polished. Nothing says lazy like an old resume with stale information. Make sure the resume that accompanies your cover letter can stand on its own and showcase your abilities clearly and quickly-most hiring managers just skim over your CV letter and resume in record time-especially when they are faced with hundreds of job applicants.

Research the company. Know about the organization that you are applying with, so that you can let them know you are knowledgeable about their recent acquisition of another company, for example, or that you are aware of their plans to expand their office locations. Whatever information you find, be sure to incorporate it into your letter somehow so that the hiring manager will know you’re serious about the job. Find out who will be reading the CV letter and resume. Be sure to address it to that person specifically, and not “to whom it may concern.”

Really know the job you are applying for. Determine what skills and qualifications you have and make sure that they stand front and center on your cover letter. The more qualified you are for the job, the better! Always be sure to name-drop when appropriate. In today’s tough job market, it is not always what you know but WHO you know that can make the difference.

This is just one of many tips to help you Learn How to Write a Cover Letter. Follow me over to http://www.simple-cover-letters.info to learn more and finally land that job of your dreams.