Most job seekers have the assumption that there is no need to include a cover letter with the submitted resume because their resume already details all information regarding their suitability to a role. This is a gross misconception. Prospective employers also rely on the resume cover letter to gain a perspective of who you are and how well you fit in to the available position.

If you decide to send your application by fax or mail, then you need to include the cover letter before your resume. The cover letter allows employers to get an insight of your area of expertise and helps them decide whether to give your resume further attention. If you plan to send your job application by email, then include the cover letter in the body of the email before the resume.

Whatever methods you choose to hand out your application, you need to ensure that your cover letter does its intended purpose. It must present you in a positive light and encourage the employer to further assess your resume.

Recipe For a Winning Cover Letter

1. The cover letter must be addressed to the appropriate person. If possible, put the person's complete name, job title and the department he is in. You can often find this out in the job ad. If not, you can do your own research and ask for further information. Avoid the generic address line "To whom it may concern". This looks unprofessional and shows that you have no genuine interest for the role.

2. Be relevant to the role that you are seeking. Do not make a "one size fits all" cover letter by stating that you are amenable to any available position that the company is offering. This indicates that you have no clear goals and career aspirations. State the role you want in your cover letter and why you should be chosen from among all the other applicants based on the skills and experience you have to offer. Highlight key competencies and professional experiences that address the requirements of the role.

3. Ensure that your cover letter answers why you want the role and what you can offer to the company if ever hired. Employers need to know that you are genuinely interested. They want someone who does not run away at the slightest hint of difficulties. They want to ensure that the time and money invested in hiring and training you are well worth it. Companies also prefer someone that can contribute more to the company's growth.

4. Check your cover letter for grammatical errors, misspellings and other mistakes. These are definite reasons for declining an application. It shows your inattentiveness to detail that is something often required of most roles. You may want to have your cover letter checked by a friend or relative to make sure everything is up to par.

5. In closing your cover letter, indicate that you will follow up on your application and how you intend to do so. Taking charge shows interest rather than letting the employer call you at his convenience. It is important to note though that you must follow up as stated by your cover letter.

Fact: Most of the resumes submitted will end up as trash. Don't let that happen to you. Learn how to write a resume that guarantees job success and how to make a winning resume cover letter.