Important elements of the cover letter include:

• Salutation
  Whenever possible, address the letter to a person rather than just a job title. If necessary, call the organization to find out the name of the hiring manager.
  
  
• Why you are writing
  State clearly why you are writing, including the specific ad to which you are responding. If a networking contact rather than an ad prompted you to write, mention the networking contact’s name (after getting the contact’s permission to do so).
  
  
• How you are a good match
  Show how your qualifications match the employer’s needs. Link your background and skills to the specifications mentioned in the ad. Use information you gained from your research and networking to enhance your qualifications.
  
  
• Close
  Tell them what you plan to do next - you will call the person to whom you are writing; or, in the case of a blind ad, you look forward to meeting with them.

When the ad asks for salary information

Generally, you should not include salary information. Employers can use this to screen you out. If you must write something, consider “Negotiable.”

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