Dissecting the Perfect Cover Letter

As a freelancer, you must apply to jobs more often than most, so learning about the job application and interview process is paramount.

With any job application, the cover letter is one of the most important components you will include. Aside from your resume, this document will have more influence on a potential employer than any other. To maximize your chances of landing jobs, you must master the cover letter for freelancers.

Understanding Cover Letters

Your cover letter is a document that serves as an introduction to your resume. Because a potential employer reads your cover letter first, it is essential that the letter capture the employer’s interest. Cover letters should follow the format of a business letter, and they should be approximately three paragraphs in length.

First Paragraph

During the first paragraph of your cover letter, discuss the reason you have chosen to contact this particular employer. Describe the position you hope to land, as well as the experience and skills you possess that will help you to succeed in the position. The goal of this paragraph is to pique the employer’s interest in you as a candidate for the job.

Second Paragraph

In the second paragraph, explain what you hope to offer the company when you fill the open position. Look back at the original job posting, and explicitly compare your own qualifications to the requirements the employer advertised. At the end of this paragraph, the employer should be convinced that you meet all of the requirements for the position, and he should understand exactly how your presence will be beneficial for the organization.

Third Paragraph

The purpose of the third paragraph is to close the letter and provide the prospective employer with contact information. Be sure to include your email address, phone number and address. In some cases, it may also be wise to suggest that you will call the employer to follow up.

Cover Letter Tips

Don’t duplicate the information in your resume.
Always customize your cover letter based on the specific job you hope to obtain.
Call to confirm that the employer has received your cover letter and resume.
If you promise to follow up with the employer, do so.

If you have any further questions about cover letters or job interview techniques, contact Artisan today for assistance. Part of our job is to handle much of your client communication on your behalf, presenting you in the best possible light, so that you can focus on your work.

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Artisan Talent is a Digital, Marketing and Creative Staffing Firm placing talent in jobs perfectly matched with their skills all over the US. For available jobs, to submit your resume, or learn more about working with Artisan Talent, contact us here.

Dissecting the Perfect Cover Letter