No matter what kind of job an individual is trying to get, cover letters are an absolute must. Experts say that a cover letter often "makes or breaks" an application. The cover letter is an introduction to where a professional is trying to go, and should be a great barometer of this person's skills, personality and experience.

In a business context, beginners may want to learn about how to craft or read a cover letter, either as a professional applicant, or as an HR professional dealing with a large volume of these documents. Beginners can get convenient assistance in looking for just what counts on job cover letters from web resources, for situations like these:

1. To prepare a team training for workers or customers covering all aspects of the cover letter as part of skills building with cover letters for beginners.

2. For any kind of public outreach that is done as part of a business model for a non-profit or government subcontractor.

3. For dealing with an influx of applications, to get an HR rep accustomed to cover letter industry standards.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out about length of cover letters and general guidelines

One thing beginners will profit from is knowing how long a cover letter should be, in general. Length is one of the big criteria for a cover letter: it sets the pace; determines levels of detail and accommodates (hopefully) the reader's attention span. Though HR people will sometimes want to reject long cover letters out of hand, some general guidelines will help everyone agree on 'how long is too long.'

I recommend: Find out how long a resume cover letter should be at Cover Letter 101. Get more on length and other guidelines from sites like Cover Letter Myths for Dummies.

Look for free sample cover letters

Another way to get staff or others schooled in the ways of the cover letter is with helpful sample cover letters, where format as well as content is defined and showcases to help others reach a certain standard within their professional lives. Pay attention to various formats in examples of cover letters online, as presentation often enters in to the equation.

I recommend: Get a variety of sample cover letters from QuintCareers to help in a continuing career for someone new to cover letter processes. Find links to a range of cover letter samples on the web from JobStar Central.

Locate more on cover letters

Other websites will include overall links and resources to learning more about writing cover letters. Beginners can find info on how to craft a letter or how to join up with helpers who will edit or fine-tune a cover letter.

I recommend: Get help on the various things that go into resume cover letters from sites like EasyJob. Find more of this kind of guidance from pages like this one from CareerBuilder.

Cover letters are your first introduction to potential employers, so a well-written, concise cover letter is vital when you apply for a job. Resume cover letters should present your goals and qualifications for employment within a specific profession.

Sample cover letters are a great tool to utilize as you prepare a cover letter for your employment opportunities. The Internet offers companies that provide free sample cover letters and basic tips on how to successfully write cover letters. When preparing to write resume cover letters, you should:

1. Model your cover letter using examples of cover letters that fit your professional needs.

2. Learn the fundamentals of writing cover letters to ensure you include all pertinent information.

3. Hire a reputable professional with cover letter writing experience to pen cover letters for your specific needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find free sample cover letters

Quality, professional examples of cover letters are available on the Internet for free use or for a small fee. Model a free sample cover letter to conform to the style appropriate to your profession and to ensure you include the information necessary.

I recommend: Find examples of cover letter products at bestcoverletters.com, as well as cover letter templates that are easy to use. Vault.com offers resume cover letters divided into categories so you can find the professional cover letters that fit your profession.

Learn how to write cover letters

If you would rather write a cover letter from scratch, brush up on the fundamentals of cover letters and create a unique cover letter for your situation.

I recommend: Use the guidelines offered by the Virginia Tech Career Services department to help you write an effective cover letter. The easy-to-understand guidelines, coupled with sample cover letters, can assist you with your cover letter needs. Follow the cover letter checklist provided by CollegeGrad.com to ensure you provide the necessary information in your resume cover letter.

Partner with a professional writer to create a cover letter

An experienced writer with knowledge of the key elements of a successful cover letter can create a resume cover letter that meets your needs. Use a professional cover letter writer who can work with you to fulfill your cover letter needs in order to produce a cover letter that is unique for you.

I recommend: Use Resume to Referral to craft a professional cover letter at competitive prices. They can create a quality cover letter from scratch or revamp your existing cover letter. ResumeEdge.com offers complete cover letter services to ensure customer satisfaction. They work with you to write a resume cover letter that meets your criteria

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you choose to hire a writer to pen a cover letter for your resume, request samples of cover letters she has written to ensure you receive a quality, professional resume cover letter.

Your cover letter provides a first impression to a potential customer or business partner. In a short, concise, well-written letter, you need to not only be sure to convey why you are contacting them, but do so tactfully. Business cover letters are slightly different then resume cover letters and are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to know the various cover letters types and styles and when to use them appropriately. Searching through examples of cover letters can be a great way to choose the appropriate method of communication.

There are many reasons why you may need to contact a potential or current business partner. Whether you want to thank them for meeting with you or to propose a new business venture, it is essential you select the correct cover letter style to do so. Know the differences between the following when conducting business communication:

1. You can write a professional, yet personal, cover letter.

2. While there are many informal cover letters types and styles, that does not equal casual.

3. The electronic cover letter is the wave of the future.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider writing a professional, yet personal, business cover letter for a proposal

This type of cover letter is appropriate to use when you have not worked closely with the recipient. The tone of professional cover letters is complementary and personal, yet still professional. When you use this style to submit a proposal to a potential business associate, it can highlight not only why the proposed plan would be a good match for their company, but also why you, personally, will make a good business partner.

I recommend: The Seibert Group discusses how to write a professional, yet personal style cover letter and provides a sample cover letter. The Sales Letter Guru offers free sample cover letters that outline a more personal proposal cover letter.

Write an informal cover letter to a business partner you work with often

An informal cover letter can be used for writing cover letters to thank a client for meeting with you or as a cover letter sent with the additional information you promised. Examples of informal cover letters are not casual, just not as formal as a typical business cover letter.

I recommend: The Business Writing Institute outlines the differences between a formal and an informal business cover letter. Letter Writing Guide has a template for you to follow for sample cover letters.

Write an electronic cover letter

As technology becomes more advanced, the typical format for a cover letter is changing. Electronic cover letters are beginning to replace the hard copy cover letter. Although the majority of the rules are the same, the electronic cover letter will look slightly different. The subject line, for example, should be used wisely as it is the first thing the recipient will read and could ultimately determine whether or not the cover letter ever gets beyond the inbox.

I recommend: Quintessential Careers describes tips for an appropriate electronic cover letter. ABC Business Writing offers a checklist for your electronic cover letters.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use your cover letter to summarize your accompanying communication. For example, if your cover letter precedes a proposal, state all of the compelling details as a teaser - this will create a level of anticipation as well as set an expectation for what is to come.