Employers now have the ability to take a birds-eye view of the job market - and see a huge number of résumés at once. How do you stand out from the crowd? Your cover letter is one way to do that.

A cover letter should always be sent with your résumé. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself and convince the employer you are the right candidate for the job.

Your cover letter should be tailored to the position you are seeking. You should show enthusiasm and interest in the position and organization and sum up the benefits you would bring to the employer. Do not repeat content from your résumé.

Use the same high quality, white paper as you did for your résumé. Your cover letter should be only one page in length.

Cover Letter Components:
Your cover letter should include a header, salutation, introduction, body and closing.

Header Contents:

• Your name and contact information in the same format as your résumé
• The date
• Company contact information - you may have to contact the company for some of this information.

Salutation:

• Use Dear Mr. or Ms. if you know the person's gender, otherwise use Attn. J. Doe (professional and gender neutral). Never use Dear Sir, Madam or To Whom It May Concern.
• If no name is provided, use Attn. HR Manager

Introduction:

• Name the position you are applying for, where it was advertised and the reference number (if applicable)
• Mention connections, such as a friend, you may have to the company. (Be sure you have your friend's permission to do so.)
• State what interests you about the position and the company. (Research on the company will help you with this.)

Body:

• Highlight why you are the best candidate for the position.
• Articulate your competitive advantage by matching your education, skills, and experience to the job requirements
• Highlight your knowledge of the position and company

Closing:

• Refer to your enclosed résumé.
• Indicate your availability for an interview at their convenience.
• End with "Sincerely" or "Yours Truly"
• Sign the letter

Double check to make sure your cover letter is grammatically correct, free of spelling errors and signed.

After you have finished the letter check two or three times for overall tone, clarity, grammar, punctuation and spelling. An error in any of these could immediately disqualify you.

Paper clip the letter to your résumé. Do not staple. Place unfolded in a large envelope then mail or deliver your application. Do not fold your résumé and cover letter into a small envelope. (Stapling or folding can make your résumé difficult to scan or copy.)

When you are certain the employer should have received your application, call to introduce yourself and express your interest in an interview. This may give you a competitive advantage since the employer now has a "voice" to associate with the application.