Cover Letter Format - Career Turn

First Paragraph
It is essential that your first paragraph captures the employer’s attention, provides detailed information about the benefits the employer will receive from you, and, of course, helps you stand out from the competition. It is a good idea to include one or two key selling points or benefits you can offer the employer that other job-seekers cannot. It is also important to indicate that you are interested in a position at the recipient’s organization. In essence, the first paragraph of your cover letter can serve the same function as the “job objective” section many people include in their resume, and expand upon it.
Second Paragraph
The second paragraph of your cover letter should go into some detail about your work experience that is relevant to the position you are seeking. Be certain to stress accomplishments and achievements rather than job duties and responsibilities. Expand on specific items from your resume that are relevant to the job you are seeking.
Third Paragraph
Relate yourself to the company, giving details why you should be considered for a position. By this point, a hiring manager reading the cover letter will be thinking: “What can this person do for me?” Answer by outlining a relevant career goal. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, do not say that you are training to be an airline pilot. Good third paragraphs are like stories that unfold for the reader and will paint you as someone who belongs with the reader’s organization.
Final Paragraph
The final paragraph of your cover letter should be proactive – request action! Ask for the job interview (or a meeting) in this paragraph. Express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. Put the employer on notice that you plan to follow-up within a specified time. You have already made your case in the second and third paragraphs; if you have done a good job, the employer will feel the need to contact you.