Tell me about applications, resumes and cover letters.

Cover Letters
When you apply for a job through the mail, send your resume with a cover letter. These letters are important. Employers usually read them before they read resumes.

Cover letters are a chance to express your interest in the job and why you think you’re qualified. They’re also a chance for you to explain items on your resume an employer might find questionable, such as a gap in employment.

Following are tips for writing cover letters. Use this as the basic minimum. Add other information you think would make an employer want to pick up the phone and call you for an interview.

Tips for Writing Cover Letters
•	Explain why you are sending the letter. Example: “I am contacting you about the < name of job > you advertised in < name of newspaper, flyer, and so on >.
•	Express your interest in the job, why you think you’re qualified, and some knowledge of the company’s needs. Example: “I would like very much to speak with you about this job. I have < x> years of experience in working as a < name of job >. While on the job, I completed < x > hours of training and received < name of certificates, awards, recognition, and so on >. Since your company just < name event you read about, such as “acquired a new business” >, I’m sure you are looking for qualified < name of job > like me.”
•	Call attention to any other accomplishments, work experience, or education training that will help you become qualified for the job. Example: “I’ve also worked as a < name of job >. While this job is very different from the one I’m applying for, I learned how to solve problems and work out solutions with my supervisor and coworkers. They really liked working with me and said I was very reliable and helpful. Also, I recently graduated with a < name of certificate or degree > and am very excited to put what I learned to work.”
•	State when you are available to work. Example: I will be available to start working at < name of company > as a < name of job > after a two-week notice at my current employer.
•	State appreciation for any interest in your qualifications and what you will do to follow up. Example: "Thank you very much for your interest in my qualifications. I will call you in a few days to find out if my skills match what you’re looking for."
•	Sign your name.

Send the letter, then give the person or company you addressed the letter to a follow up call when you stated you would. When you call, you might not reach anybody. If do get a hold of someone, you might not be told if there is any interest in your resume or that someone will call you. Don’t despair. Keep calling at regular intervals, such as once a week or once every two weeks. Whoever answers on the other end may appreciate your persistence and eventually put the call through to the person who does the hiring.

Sending resumes and cover letters as a job search strategy is a numbers game. You often have to send a lot of them in order to get a single interview. That is not always the case, though. It’s possible to get faster results, especially if you’re really qualified for a job.