Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.
写自荐信看起来是一项很艰巨的任务。然而，如果你迈出了合适的第一步的话，你马上就会成为写与简历一同寄出的自荐信专家了。

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.
每封自荐信都是随着简历一起寄出的。你的自荐信要有这样的作用，那就是得到面试机会还是简历被无视，所以，这就更有意义去投入必要的时间和精力去写有意义的自荐信了。

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.
你也可以只寄出自荐信而不附带简历。其目的的以数据为导向做出解释，给出一份更加实际的简历，并增加你和雇主的私下联系。自荐信是你和潜在雇主最开始的书面接触，会建立一个重要的第一印象。

Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).
你的自荐信应该根据不同的应聘职位，不同的目的专门设计。不要只写一封形式上的自荐信，并发给所有的潜在雇主。（你也知道你是如何对付垃圾邮件的吧！）

Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.
有效的自荐信说明了你对该公司有兴趣的原因，并明确了你相关的技能和经验（记住，相关是由雇主的个人利益决定的）。自荐信中应该标明你对该职位的高度兴趣和你所拥有的深厚的知识背景。