By Heide Lynne Canlas
Do you know that your cover letter may make or break you when applying for a job? Make that winning cover letter by following these useful guidelines on how to write the perfect excellent cover letter!

It is not only the résumé that job applicants should learn how to make. They should also learn how to write a very good and effective cover letter.

A cover letter, often attached to the résumé, is a letter of intent to apply at a certain company that includes a highlight of your qualifications. Like a résumé, it is also a basis of the prospective employer’s first impression of you. Not all job positions require a cover letter to be attached to the résumé. However, even if it is not required, attaching one creates an impression that you give effort to the application and that you really are interested in the job. It can also give you opportunity to include things that are not usually included in the résumé such as a statement of self-glorification to advertise your good qualities or working habits and attitudes.

Writing the cover letter is crucial because it can make the employer either interested or disinterested in reading your résumé. Here are some tips on how to write the perfect cover letter.

1. Address to a specific person, and not to sir or to madam alone. More importantly, do not address to “sir/ma’am” as if you are not sure who the recipient is. If you could, do a little research of your own. Call the office and talk to, at least, the secretary and inquire about the name of the person to whom the letter should be addressed. Indicate the designation of the person under his name.
2. Make a very good starting paragraph. You should be able to catch their attention and make them interested in reading further. Try to be able to show your enthusiasm from the first paragraph.
3. Follow it up with a summary of your accomplishments. Put only the highlights and do not put copy you indicated in the résumé in verbatim. A résumé and a cover letter have different purposes and the purpose of the cover letter does not include showing a comprehensive enumeration of your background.
4. Phrase your statements from the point of view of what you may contribute to your employer if you are hired for the job, instead of from the point of view of what you can gain from them.
5. Don’t be too wordy. Write short statements that are easy to understand and make your statements straight to the point. Keep the cover letter brief and concise. The body of the letter should not exceed one page. In fact, it is better if you can say everything you want in a half page.
6. Proofread your letter again and again. Make sure that there are no spelling and grammatical errors in it to make a lasting impression to your future employer.
7. Use a good quality paper that matches the paper used for the résumé. Make sure that the letterhead matches, too. Print in good printer because if the printing is bad, it might be difficult to read or may not be readable anymore.

Now that you’ve learned the secrets on how to write the perfect cover letter, it’s time to make one that would serve as your passport to success!