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When most people think of job hunting, they tend to focus on preparing their resume. In fact, the cover letter deserves as much attention in an effective job search. The cover letter is a chance, in a narrative form, to introduce yourself, describe your strengths and skills, and express interest in a particular job. More and more, employers are looking at the cover letter as an indicator of your writing skill. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the masses. It encourages the potential employer to give consideration to your resume and, ultimately, to interview you for

This handbook will take you through the steps of composing effective cover letters and follow-up letters. As with a resume, there is no one correct way to write a cover letter or follow-up letter. However, certain guidelines and tips can be helpful in putting thoughts to paper in a way that will grab your prospective employer's attention. We will give examples of each type of letter. This handbook will also discuss the composition of follow-up and thank you letters. Follow-up and thank you letters are sent after an interview. Before we continue, we need to dispel a myth about the

Is a cover letter necessary? The purpose of a cover letter is to match your qualifications (skills, education, and experience) to a specific employer's needs, and to express your interest in the job and the organization. A well-written cover letter shows why you are a strong candidate for a particular position. Your cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills ­ the Number 1 ability sought by employers (according to the 2005 Job Outlook Survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers). A cover letter is a marketing tool to persuade a hiring