The cover letter and your resume are two of the most essential documents while applying for professional position. The resume is your main course and the cover letter is your appetizer. Putting together these documents is time consuming but it is quite easy as long as you follow the right guide.

The main intention of composing a cover letter is to introduce yourself and your attached documents. This could mean a resume, transcripts, or letters of recommendation. Whether you send these documents electronically or in hard copy depends on what the employer requests, but one thing is certain, these documents are vital. You cannot send one without the other and you cannot anticipate to even be considered if you are missing one or all of the documents. While the resume style is broad with few choices for creativity, your cover letter is much more specific. When writing a cover letter it is crucial that you include as many specific details as possible about the job, company, and your desire to work for the company.

Make your cover letter as professional and as formal as possible so that the power of writing a cover letter is elevated. This letter provides a concise explanation of your desired fields, area of expertise, experience and skills that are relevant t the job being applied for. In writing your cover letter make sure that they key points within your resume are emphasized.

On the other hand, the resume, the other part of your professional documents, comprises all detailed information of your work experience, skills, area of expertise and educational background. In some cases, it is essential to write an objective statement stating what you wish to attain by applying for this job. However, personal information that is irrelevant to the job position is unnecessary and should not be included.

When writing written documents that are for professional positions, you must be aware of the information you are incorporating. The information should be real and it should stay brief and concise.Your letter should be as short as possible and the same goes for your resume. The length of the cover letter and resume are encouraged to be short because hiring managers are normally occupied and do not spend too much time reading every detail in every set of professional documents that come across their desk.

Since your cover letter is the appetizer, writing cover letter resume should persuade the hiring manager to take the main course, which is your resume. Therefore, while composing, you should indicate what makes you important for the company you are applying to and why you are fit for the job. If possible, motivate the hiring manager with your relevant skills and accomplishments.

Do not include any negative information about anything in your past educational or work experience or you risk damaging your credibility and your reputation. Do not include personality conflicts with previous employers, sarcastic remarks and even pending law suits while writing cover letter resume. Otherwise, do not expect an interview from the company you applied to, or better yet don’t even waste the money for a stamp to mail your documents.

Author's Bio: 

Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com. You can download his FREE "Resume Rebel" Video Course to learn how to write a resume and stand out in a slow economy.