One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make today is underestimating the importance of their cover letters. The cover letter is a best way to get noticed and should be given just as much attention as your résumé.

Here are some tips to make sure that your cover letter sends the right message and gets you the interview!

1. Use the right format.
A cover letter should follow the format of Introduction, Sales pitch, Call to action. That means that, in a succinct manner, you tell the reader who you are, why he needs you and when you are going to contact

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him.

2. Get a name.
If you have no other option, then use the Dear Sir or Madam greeting, but if at all possible find out the name of the person hiring for the position and use it.

3. Make sure that the letterhead on your résumé and cover letter match.
You are trying to project an image with these documents, and matching letterhead shows professionalism and attention to detail.

4. Avoid starting every sentence with I.
A cover letter can get very monotonous when each statement begins with I did, I do, I feel ... be creative and you will keep the readers attention. Try phrases like "My responsibilities included ..." or descriptions of the results of your projects.

5. Refer to your accomplishments in the cover letter.
Qualifying and quantifying your accomplishments in your cover letter is just as important as doing it in your résumé. If you increased sales by 27 percent, reduced costs by 40 percent and streamlined operations to increase productivity 57 percent, make sure that you state that in the cover letter. It will make the reader want to learn more about you and why you are the best candidate for the job.

6. Make sure that you set a follow-up date at the close of the letter.
Instead of saying that you are looking forward to hearing from the person, say you will be contacting her office on a specific date to set up a mutually convenient time to meet.

7. Proofread, proofread, proofread.
If there are typos in your cover letter, you are not going to get called for an interview. It is as simple as that.