What gives us our first impression of a person? Usually, it is the manner in which they come across. We have all experienced a first reaction from assorted individuals. There's the limp handshake greeter and the eye contact avoider. How about the mumbled, barely a response individual? Or one of my favorites, "let's see if when we shake, I can break your hand."

On the other hand, there are those you meet and right away, there's a connection. Sometimes people will exibit an open, warm and captivating smile. Others will win you over with a charming non artificial personality. There are even times when someone's body language conveys an inviting openess.

The same impression we get from an initial human encounter, applies to writing a cover letter. The first words a prospective employer reads in your cover letter are extremely important. It can spell the difference between employment or back to the want ads section. It is therefore crucial, you set some goals before committing pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard.

Of utmost importance, is paying attention to spelling, grammar, sentence structure, run on sentences. etc. Unfortunately, this is an area, where people nowadays, devote little time. If you surf the chat rooms, blogs or forums, it is scary to see the disdain or unconcern for the English language. Henry Higgins would be appalled. Take time to reread your letter, several times if necessary. If writing and English is not a strong suit have someone help you. Do not send a letter with misspelled words, poor grammar and punctuation.

Today, there is serious competition for jobs. You will want to come up with a creative opening in your first paragraph to attract attention. Some years ago an avertising executive prospect sent a cover letter to a New York agency. When the hiring manager opened the envelope to take out the letter, some sand poured out on his desk. In the letter the candidate went on to explain he had grown up in Atlantic City. He confessed to suffering from that seashore malady known as "having sand in his shoes," and was reluctant to leave. Now he said he was ready to cast off his beach loving addiction and join the real world. He got the job.

Following are some mistakes to look out for:

Do not mail your cover letter to Dear Sir, or Madam, or To Whom it May concern. Even if it takes a little research, get the name of the right contact person.

Remember to send a cover letter with your resume. There's the liklihood the employer may not get to your letter. However if he notices you sent one, it will add a touch of professionalism in your favor.

Be confident in your cover letter follow up. Don't write a sentence like, "I'll look forward to hearing from you." Say you'll follow up with a phone call, and ask for an interview.

Do not rehash information you have on your resume in your cover letter. The result could be you'll only succeed in annoying your reader.

Sometimes there's a tendency to be too wordy. Avoid this pitfall at all costs. Your cover letter should include all your important qualifications, but also be short and to the point.

Do not start off the first paragraph with a boring introduction about yourself. We're not talking autobiography here. It is important to begin with pertinent information that will draw the reader's attention.

Do not ask what the company will do for you, rather state why you will be an asset to their business. Keep in mind, if you are just starting out you have virtually no value to an employer. Maintain a healthy attitude.

Learning how to write a good cover letter is a skill that will serve you well. Make a commitment to allow yourself enough time to develop a superior document. Putting in the effort now could yield big rewards in the future.

If you would like to learn more on this subject, read the eBook, "Amazing Cover Letters." This book will guide you through all the finer points of writing cover letters to be successful.