What is a cover letter ?

Google "cover letter" and you will get a lot of information. When you have a general question like this one, look it up on Google - just type the two most important words into the search bar and you will get a lot of information. If you don't get the answer you are looking for, put in two or three other important words and try again. After you get the basic information you can ask a more specific question here. That way you will get the best of both options. But for sure keep asking your questions!

A cover letter introduces your resume. I know that sounds silly at first, but it is a way to put a personal/human touch to what otherwise doesn't always sound so personable. Some interviewers read them, some don't. I have gotten many compliments on my cover letters. When to include them? When it is a job you really want. If the on-line application process lets you upload only one document, make the cover letter page 1 of the resume and upload them together!

The secret to a good cover letter is to customize it to the job you are applying for. Do not use the same cover letter for each resume you submit!

How to write it? Well, to do it right, it takes work. That's why I don't write them for every single job that I apply to! A cover letter is short - absolutely no more than one page! It takes the format of a regular business letter, with your return address in the upper right corner, the employer's business address below that, but on the left hand side, the date below that, and the salutation (Dear. _), below that! Try to get the name of whoever will be doing the interviewing, but, if you cannot, address it Dear Hiring Manager, or something like that. The body of the cover letter is 3 paragraphs, then you end with a Sincerely/Respectfully, or something like that. Leave 4 spaces, type your name, and then sign it above your typed name.

The body is as follows:
1st paragraph: Short - what position you are applying for and how you found out about it. It is okay to "drop names" if an employee recommended that you apply.

2nd paragraph. This one takes work. It is where you explain that you understand what the job entails (you have read the job announcement and visited the website, right?), and show why you are a good fit for the position. It is NOT a regurgitation of the resume. I like to draw on experience from two different jobs, if possible. For example: If I was applying to be a Bank teller, I would explain my experience as the treasurer of a non-profit organization, plus my customer service experience working at the Workforce center, makes me the ideal candidate, and could possibly throw in how my experience as a police officer developed my attention to detail and how my integrity is above reproach.

3rd paragraph. Ask for the interview! "please find my resume enclosed. I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss this exciting career opportunity!" (or something like that)

I used to recommend the website gotresumebuilder.com, and still do, except they recently started charging. If you are a student or have a library card, I believe you can circumvent the fees. In addition to resumes, they offer cover letter templates.

Best of luck to you! Please feel free to ask any follow-up questions.