Before You Write Cover Letter

Each cover letter takes preparation. Here's a good way to get into the cover letter writing mode:

Think about yourself and your experiences. Think about how you would like to relate your experience to the organisation you're writing to. Which of your talents, skills, personality traits, and accomplishments should this particular organisation need to know about? Brainstorm a list for yourself.

How did you hear about this opportunity? If through a personal contact, write down the name. If through an advertisement, write down where and when you saw it, and list the specific points the ad wants you to include.

What do you know about the organisation you're writing to? What attracted you to it in the first place? Maybe it's personal (a friend worked there), or maybe you are impressed with what the organisation does or admire their unique work philosophy.
Whom are you writing to? It's always best to write to a real, live person (with a title) if you can, so if you're not responding to an advertisement that includes a specific contact, try to look up the name of someone in particular to write. Be sure and spell both name and title perfectly.

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