Graphic Designer's Resume - What Should a Cover Letter Contain?

Graphic Designer's Resume - What Should a Cover Letter Contain? by Juan C. Rivera

A cover letter is designed to express your interest in a certain job. It is used to express your feeling toward the position and highlights a few necessary skills needed for the job. A cover letter does not list all you skills, this is done in your resume. However, a cover letter invites the reader to look at your resume with close attention and may also contain a "call to action" soliciting an interview.

In a world so full of competition, a cover letter helps set you apart from the rest. There are many way to write a cover letter. But keep in mind that it isn't a science, if you can master ADOBE programs, you can successfully write a good cover letter.

Cover letters have many layouts but essentially have the same information and distribution. Note that letters have a left aligned distribution.

* Heading: This is where you put your information. Name, Address and phone number and the date. This goes on the top left hand side. * Addressee: This is where the information of the person or department that will receive your cover letter and resume. * Greeting: The norm is "Dear", but you may write some other greeting. Always remember that it must be in a respectful manner. Also write the person's full name. If it's directed to departments write: Hiring Manager.

After the greeting come the paragraphs that state you desire and qualifications. This part consists of 2 to 4 paragraphs. I recommend a three paragraph system, one paragraph for a specific purpose.

· Paragraph one: Why you are writing and which position you are applying for? Employers also like to know how you heard about the position, to see which medium was the most successful. Write a bit about the company and why you are interested in this position or organization. This demonstrate to you future employer that you know about them and that you are sincerely interested in working with them.

· Paragraph two: This paragraph is designed to explain why you are qualified for the job. In the job description there is usually a list of tasks that the person applying for the position must do. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your capacity in fulfilling those tasks. If the paragraph seems too long, divide it into two. Please consider the following in order to make this second paragraph effective.

* The first sentence should be a good opener. A quick introduction directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the job. * The body of the paragraph should provide evidence to back up what you've just claimed. Describe specific jobs, projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. * The final sentence is a summary of what you've discussed above. Mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.

· Final Paragraph: It should be a short paragraph, from 2 to 4 sentences. Use a call to action such as "Please schedule a date and time convenient to you for me to come show you my extensive portfolio..." or something else that invites you for an interview. Finish the letter with thanks to the reader for his/her time and consideration.

Finish the body of you cover letter with a good bye. Then with your signature and below your name in print.

Remember that a cover letter is to invite a person to read your resume and invite you for an interview. The cover letter should be well written and error free. Have people read it in order to spot any syntax error. All the cover letters in the world won't help you land a job if your resume is bad. So brush up your resume; write a good cover letter and good luck on your job hunting.

Source: Resume Cover Letter articles at goarticles.com