If you\’re out there looking for a job, chances are you are being asked to provide a resume and cover letter. Here are 10 tips to help you with your cover letter.
1. Check grammar/spelling errors – Speaking from personal experience, spelling errors are one of the first things that will get an applicant sent to the \”no hire\” pile.
2. To whom it may concern – Avoid this introduction in your cover letter. Take the time to address your cover letter to the hiring manager.
3. Mr. or Mrs. – Trying to guess if Ashley Smith is a Mr. or Mrs. may offend your potential employer, especially if you get it wrong. Just go with (First Name Last Name).
4. What you can do for me – Your resume should convey how your experience can benefit the employer. This is your first chance to prove how you can be a valuable asset to the organization.
5. Copy resume – Remember the cover letter is a compilment to your resume not a reproduction of it.
6. Ending – Keep the power in your hands, let the employer know in your cover letter that you will contact them.
7. Keep it to 1 page – Make your points and stay concise, bullets work nicely.
8. Referral – Give credit where credit is due.
9. Power Verbs – Use powerful words to highlight your skills and be specific to the position.
10. Always include a cover letter with your resume – Again, from personal experience… applicants that don\’t include a cover letter rarely make it to the interview stage.
Good Luck!
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