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Many job applicants don't know how to write cover letters and as a result fail to convert their written applications to job interviews. Knowing how to write cover letters that grab attention and maintain interest is a central job search skill.

When you apply for a job, a good cover letter must always accompany your resume when you send it to the potential employer. Ideally, an effective cover letter will be one page, concisely written and will do the following:

* Capture the potential employer's interest.

* Explain your reason for applying for this position.

* Explain broadly how you meet the selection criteria or stated job requirements.

* State why you believe you would be the best person for the company (how you would benefit the company).

* Inspire the employer to offer you an interview.

In your cover letter, you need to highlight your skills and experience that address specific job requirements and show that you can do the job you are applying for. Mention any relevant experience and qualifications that can support your claims.

You also need to mention aspects of your character that would benefit your prospective employer such as dependability, punctuality, motivation, problem-solving and natural leadership skills.

Your cover letter should also explain how you would fit into the organization and indicate that your own personal values would be a good match to the image, values and goals of the organization. To do this, however, you have to know what these are and to have seriously considered how your own image, values and goals would fit into the organization. This requires research and genuine thought.

Chances are, you have less than a minute to make a positive impression on an employer with your covering letter. This means that your covering letter must clearly and quickly get to the point. An employer very quickly wants to know how you match the selection criteria, whether your written communication is of a high standard, your skills, experience and qualifications, your attention to detail, and your overall level of professionalism.

People who don't know how to write cover letters often confuse professionalism with flowery, verbose language; even worse, words are often used in the wrong context in an effort to appear more intelligent. Needless to say, this mistake will land your application in the trash.

Cover letters should be written in plain English using formal but simple and natural language. Use positive language and avoid any mention of negative situations in previous employment. They should be printed and proof read so that there are no errors in the document. Do not indent your paragraphs; instead, use block paragraphs with a line space in between them. Make sure there are no smudges or marks on the paper.

If you are still unsure of how to write cover letters, there are many wonderful online resources available that can guide you in the process. There are free cover letter templates that can be downloaded as guides as well as informative websites and books.

Like anything, practice makes perfect. Once you know how to write an effective cover letter, your chances of gaining an interview will increase immeasurably.

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