True professionalism, however, is far from being boring. It is being able to rise to the occasion and deliver quality work even before it is demanded. It is being able to think on your toes without losing your sense of tact, and with the same politeness as you would manifest in less exigent situations. It is being able to show excitement even when working on a potentially boring project - and being able to make anything boring exciting!

A professional cover letter, therefore, is not boring, deep, or stiff. It is written in an exciting but tactful tone, and it sounds exactly like you. In fact, the more natural the cover letter, the more convinced the prospective employer is that you are confident about your abilities and do not need language to conceal any weaknesses. A professional cover letter should also reflect the passion you have for your chosen career, and your personality. If you don't want boring friends, then what makes you think that your prospective employer would want boring employees?

A professional cover letter should have a personal touch to it. Before writing the letter, make sure you know exactly who will hire you: get the person's name, contact information, and position in the company. This will help you in making your address, and in showing the prospective employer how resourceful you can be. By finding out a person's name and keeping away from the generic "To whom it may concern," you have already won your prospective employer's attention.

Keep the attention going by knowing the goals of the company, and showing that you are just the person to meet them. All companies have their own goals, missions, visions, and plans for change - and all this information is available on their online websites. Read all about the company to which you are applying: what makes it special? What products and services does it offer? Where does the company plan to be in the next five to ten years? Make your goals resonate with your prospective employer, and you could increase your chances of getting the job.

Retain the attention of your prospective employer by being brief and to the point. Enumerate your achievements and show why you are best suited for the job, but avoid gushing about anything or making promises that you are not sure you can keep. Remember that your prospective employer has to wade through tons of application letters, and is working on many other important projects and documents while he or she is looking at your cover letter. You need only a few words to make yourself heard, so use your powers of brevity and wit to win the prospective employer over.

End your letter with your signature, along with important contact information. Encourage the prospective employer to interview you: you want your letter to have an active, not a passive voice, which is what many employers look for in the people that they hire. Be sure, moreover, that your contact information is valid: your email address should be typed correctly, and you should be prepared to receive calls when they come in.

A professional cover letter is not boring or staid at all. It is your chance to shine in the midst of all the other applicants for the job, so take your chance carefully and wisely. Show your wisdom, don't sell yourself short, and finally, be your professional self.

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