Writing letters is a very effective tool of communication. The good thing about this means of communication is that it avoids impulsive and spur of the moment utterance without thinking first. With letters, you can organize your thoughts and pen it in a very respectful way.

The power of writing letters can be proven in cover letters. Cover letters are often on top of resumes that one passes in companies if he is applying for a job. A remarkable cover letter is always essential when looking for a job. It is essential to learn how to write a successful cover letter with lasting impact.

An effective cover letter strikes an employer with a heavy impact. It increases the chances of getting the job if the employer is impressed with what's written in the cover letter. In fact, this serves as the first impression since an employer has no idea yet of the applicants when the resumes are being passed to him.

A cover letter gives an overview of an applicant's qualifications and wishes to join a company. It should be brief yet containing all the necessary details that an employer will look for.

What is written in cover letters? And how does one write an effective cover letter? First of all, a cover letter should indicate the position one is applying for. It is usually included in the first paragraph. Be specific. Avoid writing down several positions in one letter. You want to convey to the employer that you are focused.

Include in your letter the addressee. Again, be specific as much as possible. Avoid the generic formulas like "To Whom It May Concern." This gives the impression that you did not research well about the company. Write the particular name of the HR officer. Be resourceful in finding out this detail. It is impressive to be able to find out such detail, and this scores you a point early on.

The cover letter should briefly emphasize your qualifications and abilities. It is your selling point. Explain clearly your competence and potential in the company when hired. Make sure your qualifications fit the position you are targeting.

Be sure to only state your competency in brief because you have your resume to further yourself. For the cover letter, the idea is merely to catch the attention of the employer, to make him flip over and move on to your resume.

It is also good to add in your letter specific details about the employer or the company. It implies familiarity with the company and great interest in working for them.

You can say something like:

I have always been a close observer of (name of the company) for several years. I go along its development with enormous fascination as it grew into becoming one of the major (telecommunications, marketing, real estate, etc.) companies in the country.

Or, you can state:

I'm highly concerned in playing a role and putting in my experience and capabilities to your company as your company is recognized for its excellence over the last ten years.

Many applicants take for granted cover letters. Truth is, if you practice the art of effective writing, and in turn write effective cover letters, it will immediately give you a big edge over the other applicants.