First impressions are everything, especially when you're applying for a job. You may think the first impression you really have to worry about is meeting your prospective employer for the interview, but you'd be wrong. Whether you're asking commercial mortgage lenders for a loan or an employer for a job, the first impression they have of you is your application. And the first part of an application that your future boss lays eyes on is your cover letter. If you want the job, you need a great cover letter. Here are some tips on how to write one.

Format Correctly

Cover letters should be typed on good quality white copy paper in letter format (your word processing program should have a template). Never hand write a cover letter or print it on special paper (such as colored, textured, or photo paper). You want to appear professional. An Edmonton cosmetic surgery clinic is not likely to choose you if you submit a letter emblazoned with the medical cross in the background, no matter how appropriate you may think it is.

Don't Copy Your Resume

The point of a cover letter isn't to summarize your resume in case your prospective employer doesn't have time to read it. It's to outline your reasons for wanting to be in food public relations and why you think you would be a good fit for the position. Cover letters are more about getting a feel for a potential employee, while the resume provides the hard facts about their past and qualifications.

Personalize

When you're applying for a lot of jobs at the same time, it can be very tempting to simply write one cover letter and swap out the job and company name each time you need a new one. But don't do this. Cover letters like these have to be very shallow and end up sounding off, like they were written by a robot. Watch: "Dear Sir or Madame, I have always been interested in nutrient management services and I think I would be a great fit for a job in your nutrient management services company..." This says to the employer that you're not willing to put in the effort.

Utilize Restrained Bragging

Shy or humble people do not get job offers. If you downplay your achievements you're shooting yourself in the foot. If you won an award for your subsurface utility engineering paper in college, mention that if you're applying for an engineering job! Brag about everything that is relevant, but leave out what isn't (e.g. sixth grade spelling bees).