How to Write an Email Cover Letter

 

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How to Write an Email Cover Letter

"Learn how to format a cover letter for a job application that is emailed and send cold call email cover letters along with links to sample templates.

Email is possibly the most popular form of communication and many companies prefer email job applications. Learn about rules and guidelines for writing and emailing a professional cover letter." - Jan, expert at Resumecoupon.com community.

Email Cover Letter Tips

The first paragraph must capture the reader's attention without being too long. Succinctness is essential with all email communications so keep it short and no longer than 150 words and break it into paragraphs. Focus on your key selling points and select some appropriate keywords from the job description to include in the letter. Some email applications are filed into a database so use keywords to increase chances of the application being retrieved in a future search. See this email cover letter and cold contact email cover letter for an idea of how to write a good cover letter. A cold contact email letter inquires about unadvertised jobs and includes information on why the company should hire you with your relevant skills and qualifications.

How to Format a Cover Letter for Emailing

Email cover letters are not just more brief than printed examples; they also have certain guidelines for formatting. Read on for tips for a professional looking email cover letter:

  • Use plain black text, ideally 10 pt in a simple font such as Arial or Helvetica.
  • Use traditional cover letter protocol, beginning with "Dear" and ending with "Yours sincerely".
  • Address the email to the person who is hiring for the position.
  • Leave blank lines between paragraphs.
  • Avoid the use of emoticons, personal signatures and colors.
  • Only use attachments if requested as some companies block all emails with attachments.
  • Attach your resume in the format requested by the employer. If no format is specified send as a PDF or Word document.
  • If a resume is attached, mention it in the concluding paragraph.

If the cover letter is first typed in a word processor such as Microsoft Word then ensure the formatting is removed by saving the file as "plain text" prior to copying and pasting the text. Use a spellchecker and proof read the letter to ensure there are no mistakes or typos. Send the application to a friend via email to check for the content and style.

How to Send an Email Cover Letter

If you don’t have a contact name to address the email you can either start with the first paragraph of your letter or use a general salutation such as "To whom it may concern". It is imperative to include a subject line in the email; list the job and standout from the other by tailoring it such as "experienced teacher for art examiner position". Include your name, full address, phone number and email address in the email signature, so you can be contacted with ease.

Writing a good email cover letter can enhance your chances of being noticed by an employer and getting the job. Be sure to create a short but professional letter by formatting it correctly and proofreading it. A good resume must accompany the cover letter, read How to Write a Professional CV and Writing a Professional Cover Letter for more information.

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