Cover Letter Paragraph Guide
The cover letter contains three paragraphs:
Paragraph One: This explains why you are writing the letter. It should be your first impression and include a basic explanation of who you are and why you are writing. It’s also acceptable to describe how you found the position, such as through an online job listing or a recommendation from a professional contact, and why you are interested in the job.
Paragraph Two: Also known as the body, this explains why you are qualified for the position. It’s the part of the letter that is appropriate for highlighting your experience, skills, and qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Don’t repeat your entire resume; instead, focus on the most important factors that make you desirable.
Given the limited space for elaboration in a cover letter, the best way to choose the qualifications and experiences to highlight is by using the employer’s job announcement as a guide. Pay attention to the top qualities they mention in the “Qualifications” section of the ad, and be sure to include examples that illustrate how your knowledge, experience, or training has prepared you to meet those requirements.
Note: You can also include a list within this second paragraph offering examples that highlight the contributions you made in this role for previous employers, by using percentages, numbers, or financial figures.
Paragraph Three: This is a brief conclusion that thanks the employer for their time and consideration. Here you should enthusiastically reaffirm your interest in the position and describe how you will follow up next. Be sure to leave a space between each paragraph in your cover letter.
Margin Settings in a Cover Letter
When writing a cover letter for a job, the ideal margins should be about 1 inch on all sides. The left and right margins should be set to 1 inch, and the top and bottom margins should also be set to 1 inch. This gives your cover letter a clean appearance and provides plenty of white space, which aids readability.
Your text should be left-aligned; this is the format that most documents are aligned to, which will make your letter more readable.
How to Adjust Page Margin Settings in Microsoft Word
To adjust the margins in Microsoft Word:
Select Layout> Margins> Normal (for one-inch margins). There are a variety of other options, or you can set your own margins by selecting Layout> Custom Margins.
How to Adjust Page Margin Settings in Google Docs
To adjust the margins in Google Docs:
Select File> Page Setup. You can adjust all margins – left, right, top, and bottom – from this window.
Use Your Cover Letter to Make the Best Impression
The cover letter is extremely important in the hiring process, as it’s your first introduction to a potential employer. It determines the next step for the employer, whether to read more about you or move on to the next candidate.
Therefore, make sure your cover letter clearly and concisely explains why you are the right candidate for the job. This will increase your chances of getting a phone call and possibly an interview.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/cover-letter-paragraph-guidelines-2062303
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