Perfection matters when writing cover letters. Every cover letter you write should be customized for the job you are applying for, clear and concise, grammatically correct, and error-free.
Here are cover letter tips and suggestions for writing cover letters which will help you stand out from the crowd. And if you have a cover letter writing tip to share, please add it to the list.
1. Target your cover letter.
Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for. Then list the skills and experience you have. Either address how your skills match the job in paragraph form or list the criteria and your qualifications.
2. Don't rehash your resume.
Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Expand on your resume and highlight your background as it relates to the job.
Write simply and clearly. Get right to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.
3. Personalize your letter.
If you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.
Use email for cover letters, but, keep them short and include in the email message. Don't send as an attachment unless the employer specifically requests one.
4. Spell check and proofread.
Then ask someone else to read your correspondence before you send it. It's often easy not to notice mistakes in our own writing.
Write simply and clearly. Get right to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.
5. Sign the letter
Unless you've had to sign an application form, your covering letter is the only place where you provide your signature. This may seem old fashioned in this digital age but it's still a strong signal of your authenticity.
6. Neatness/ presentation
Finally, make sure your covering letter is clearly laid out with no typos or spelling errors. Do this and, compared to many jobseekers, you'll already stand out as an impressive candidate!
7. Reflect your personality
Ensure the letter shows how motivated and enthusiastic you are. Do not include negative comments. Try to use dynamic acting verbs for each skill you are explaining, such as:
Research - Analysed, clarified
People skills - Collaborated, communicated
Teaching - Instilled, motivated
8. Relevant and brief
A well written letter should draw the recruiter's eye to relevant experience on your CV. It is a, admittedly brief, space in which you draw a positive pen-picture of you in the mind of the employer. Ensure it is never more than a page long.
9. First Paragraph and last line
Don't waffle in your first paragraph, make the reason you're writing clear and sell yourself; writing what makes you better than others straight off. Finish with a call to action, request they contact you for a meeting or interview and let them know you will be in touch to discuss.
10. Talk about the company
Do some research into the company/ organisation and include information about them. Specifically tell them what you are impressed with and what attracts you to them.
Source: about.com & jobs.ac.uk
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