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- Many of the same tips for polishing your resume apply to cover letters as well. Read them first if you have not done so.
- In writing your cover letter, be brief and stay focused: Here, less is more.
- As above, the reader does not want to spend their valued time reading your 500 word paragraphs looking for the point you are trying to get across. You should limit sentences and paragraphs to four or five lines. In such letter writing, short is usually better.
- The paper you should print the cover letter on should be the same paper as your resume is printed on, a cream or ivory color is the standard. For the typical job seeker, plain paper is preferred with no pre-printed letterhead.
- As on your resume, there should be no grammatical errors in your letter. None.
- Always mail a cover letter with your resume. Even if you are following up an advertisement that reads simply "send resume,"be sure to include a cover letter.
- The Cover Letter should be no more than one page, with heading and closing included.
- Your Cover Letter should convey enthusiasm and commitment.
- When closing your letter, request an interview and state how you will follow up (phone call, email) and when you will do so.
- Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person by name and title. This requires a minimum of research that will ultimately pay off in more interviews.
- Consider signing the letter in blue ink. It implies the letter is original. The only other color ink to use is black. Never use any other color on the cover letter.
- Structure the cover letter to reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing too familiar, overbearing, humorous, or cute. Keep sentences short and to the point.
- A hiring manager is only interested in what you can do for the company, not what you hope to accomplish for yourself. Your letter should convey a genuine interest in the position and a long-term pledge to fulfilling its duties.
- Use cover letters to state who you are and what you want, not for repeating the kind of information that should already be in your resume.
- In composing your letter, you should be confident and purposeful, but not arrogant.
- If you are writing your cover letter and still are employed, you may not want your present employer to know of your intentions, and as such, may not be able to provide their name for recommendations or reference purposes. Asking for confidentiality doesn't sound "sneaky." It is standard business practice and it is done all the time. On the line right before "Dear Mr. Smith," type PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL in all caps, and underline it. At the end of the letter, after your signature, type something like: "P.S. For obvious reasons, I must request absolute confidentiality."
- Show the employer that you've done your homework and have a genuine grasp of the organization's personnel needs and philosophy of business. Be sincere in your praise, but don't overdo it!
- Use natural language in simple, clear sentences. Don't try to impress the reader with unusual vocabulary or complicated sentence structures.
- Express your capabilities with confidence, but avoid exaggerating your level of experience: Two part time jobs at a department store do not constitute "extensive" retail management experience.
- Address the letter with a neutral gender: Addressing letters, "Dear Sir:" or "Dear Sirs:" is not appropriate as many readers today are women. However, if you are certain the reader will be a male, then this is fine.
- Resist the temptation to be overly creative. With the advent of PCs, some job seekers feel the urge to "be creative" using various type sizes and fonts. Avoid this in business correspondence. Except in rare cases, business letters should look conservative, not like a greeting card.
- If you mention in your letter that you are enclosing your resume, then do not forget to to do so.
- After your hard work in drafting you letter, don't spoil its professional look by sending it out in a handwritten envelope. Remember that much corporate mail gets sent with envelope attached. Make sure your envelope matches the professional look of your letter and resume.
- Write each cover letter separately, even if you use a common framework. Personalize the letter with a sentence or two designed to reflect your sincere interest in the specific employer.
- Keep copies of everything you send, and follow up according to your stated intentions. However, do not rely too heavily on cover letters to get you an interview. Pursue other avenues of inquiry as well.
- It is important to mention activities, honors, and special skills. These can show the skills that employers look for such as leadership, organization, critical thinking, teamwork, self management, initiative, and influencing others.
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