Step 4: Post a Cover Letter

Some websites offer an optional field for a cover letter. Adding a cover letter gives you a chance to create a personable introduction to your resume that might influence the hiring manager to consider you over other candidates. Also, your letter is yet another chance to include keywords for the search engine to find when it examines your database file.

When composing your cover letter, follow these guidelines:

• Keep your letter short (a few brief paragraphs) and easy to read.
• Don’t summarize your resume, just introduce it.
• Let the language of your letter show your professional personality.

Draft your cover letter in MS Word (or whatever word processing program you use) so you have the advantage of spell check. Then follow Steps 1-7 from this section before copying and pasting your letter into the resume bank.

10 Steps: How to Write a Resume
90 Resume Samples
Susan Ireland’s Ready-Made Resumes