Cover Letter Writing
Pro Tips
Tip 1: Address the cover letter to a specific person
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If it is not in the job posting, contact the company to find out the proper spelling of the person who is in charge of hiring.
Tip 2: Don't repeat the information that's already in your resume
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Use the letter to highlight your personality, curiosity, and interest in the position.
Tip 3: Keep it short, simple and relevant
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No more than one page and 3 - 4 paragraphs unless otherwise requested by the employer.
Tip 4: Use key words taken from the job description
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This will help show that you are a match for the position.
Tip 5: Tailor your cover letter to the company you are applying with
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Do your research; tell them what you know about their product, company and industry. Identify something specific to them that impresses you and draw a link between the company and yourself.
Do:
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Emphasize what you can do for the prospective employer over what they can do for you
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Get the name of someone who can hire; do not assume that Human Resources has this authority
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Get complete address information
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Keep it positive – focus on why they should consider you and do not mention something that you do not have
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The fewer times you use “I” at the beginning of a sentence, the better your letter will be
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Keep to the task of the letter and save ‘discussions’ for the interview, such as terms of employment, hours or why you are now seeking work
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Always try to have job documents checked by another person. Computer spell-check does not ‘read’ for you.
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Always double check the spelling of the person's name to whom the letter is addressed
Don’t:
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Say anything negative about your current or previous employment situations or about your life in general
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Draw attention to requirements you don't have or what you don't know
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Go out of your way to express your sense of humor in a letter. You have no way of knowing if your prospective employer shares your taste
Provided below are a few examples of templates to follow when creating your next cover letter. Still need a helping hand? Click here for more information about how to connect with a Job Coach in your area.
For a downloadable template and example, please click on the link below:
