Cover letters are of great importance as they complete your initial application packet along with your resume. They must be custom tailored for each particular position and organization, never a copy or a duplicate which you have used previously.
Here are some important things to consider as you write that great cover letter which will serve as an invitation to an in-person interview:
- Keep them to one page, yet powerful and inviting
- Make it personal; address it to the chair of the search committee or the hiring agent
- List the job; reference it
- Outline why you want to work there
- Outline why they should select you – value can be found in the job description
- Make it unique, make it stand out – you can do this in your closing paragraph
Good luck with your search.