The cover letter is typically your first opportunity to contact an employer when applying for a new position. And since it introduces you and your qualifications to the hiring manager, it potentially can be more important than the resume.

Following are a few points to keep in mind when preparing your cover letter:

• Don’t be careless: A sloppy document can hinder your chances of receiving an invitation for an interview, and employers may not even look at your attached resume if the letter is unprofessional.
  
• Address it to the appropriate person. This is a sign of respect and ensures that your materials will be delivered to the proper contact.
  
• State in the opening paragraph the position for which you are applying and why to entice the hiring manager to continue reading. Customize the letter for the specific company and opportunity, and include research points about the organization to demonstrate you have done your due diligence.
  
• In the body of the document, explain how your skills and experience will allow you to contribute to the organization’s success.
  
• End by thanking the contact for his or her time and noting you look forward to hearing from him or her.