Writing a good cover letter can be essential in helping you get the job you want. According to “Forbes,” most individuals involved in the hiring process do not read cover letters, but those who do really pay attention to them. A cover letter will let the reader know how much you want the job and if your experience and personality match what she is looking for. Assume your letter will be read, and write a cover letter that will highlight your skills and impress the reader.

1. Be Specific

Write a different letter for each job you apply for, and address the letter to the human resources manager. Call the company and ask for a name if you are unsure. Avoid addressing the letter, "To Whom it May Concern." It only takes a few minutes to research the company online, and a logical person to address the letter to -- a department head or member of management.

2. Selling Points

Create a selling point for yourself. Highlight a major aspect of your last job or provide one major accomplishment you had in the past. The selling point should pertain to the job you are applying for. For example, for a sales job you could emphasize that you increased sales by 20 percent when you were head of sales with your last employer. Focus on how your talents can benefit the employer.

3. Be Concise

Don't summarize your entire resume in one letter. Make your resume selective and explain things that your resume cannot. Talk about why you have a gap in your employment or explain why the job is your career choice. Detail what you know about the company and why you want to work there. The more concise you are, the easier it will be for the reader to know if you'd be a good fit.

4. Style

Use standard 10- or 12-point font size for your cover letter and use Times New Roman or Arial fonts. While creative fonts may look pretty, there is a place for them and a cover letter is not it. Adjust your margins if you need to, but keep all of your information on one page. According to Boise State University Career Center, many employers will not read a letter that is longer than one page.

5.Proofread

Read over your letter before you submit it. Have someone proofread and note any errors you've missed. Employers may eliminate you for consideration if it contains common misspellings and other errors. Your cover letter is a sample of your writing abilities, so make a good first impression.