[Chrissy Scivicque]

Strong written communication skills are critical in the business world. Whether you're working on a 50-page grant proposal or just an everyday business letter, you'll want to understand these five important steps for improving your writing capabilities. These tips are easy and they can make all the difference in the world.

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[Denise Marie]

Hello, this is my first time on this site and am looking for some advice. I need to fill out a resume. The problem is the opening statement/objective. Here's the thing, I'll be fresh out of college soon (paralegal) and would like to apply at the law firms in the area. I'm looking for full-time employment and a chance to sharpen my newly acquired skills, but I want to sound profesional. Any suggestions???

[Heidi S]

Hi. I am en entry level applicant at the moment and applying for jobs in the UK. It is quite customary for UK employers to have lengthy application forms that can be called thorough. I am tempted to follow this trend and write a 2-page covering letter with sub headings. Is this a problem for an employer or do they want me to write more concisely than this. I am applying to an American company called Bloomberg right now and they allow up to 5 attachments. I am tempted to send a 2-page covering letter to them. I am giving examples in the letter and referring to my expereince on my CV - this is what lengthens the letter. What is your view on this?

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Here is my opinion, for what it's worth:

I would strongly advise against a two page cover letter. You want to show that you know how to edit yourself and that you can be concise. Few hiring managers have the time or interest to read two page cover letters. Remember that your experience should be outlined in the resume; the cover letter doesn't need to regurgitate this. In the letter, provide specific examples of your accomplishments within your most recent positions, show your personality, and give different information than what can be found on the CV (Are you well traveled? Did you earn a special reward in school? Have you participated in community outreach? Show the various facets of your personality).

In America, it's standard to have about three or four paragraphs in a cover letter (without subheadings - save that for the resume; the cover letter should be more personal than that.) Describe what makes you unique and why this particular company is of interest to you. If the company allows 5 attachments, use one for the cover letter, one for the CV, supply a letter of recommendation, a list of personal/professional references, and perhaps a sample of your professional writing (if that is applicable to the position).

Hope that helps. Best of luck to you! I'll be interested to hear the opinions of others, especially those not in the US. Please share, ya'll!

[jccaruthers]

I have never made a cover letter for a resume,where do i begin?

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Check out this article for some advice on how to get started: How to Write a Cover Letter.

[daisy2006]

Do you have sample cover letters.

[NicoleMiller]

Hi daisy2006,

The Business Letter Template will give you a great starting point for formatting of your cover letter.

I will pass along the request to provide sample cover letters to assist in the job application process.

Good luck!

[Libby Huffman]

We also have an article on how to write a cover letter. Read it here.

[cube lilly]

Hello,

I have been asked to assist with the book review process for a company newsletter. I have never written a book review. How to spark interest for discussion and get people interested in the book chosen.

Cube Lilly