How to Create a Terrific Cover Letter! (And Not Make It Suck!)
It seems like there's never enough said about cover letters and how to make sure they don't suck. Aside from the usual warnings like keep it to one page, ensure that it's flawless with no spelling/grammar mistakes, and specify the job that you're applying for, there're a lot of other things to be aware of.
- Follow instructions! Read the ad several times. Employers will tell you what to write in your subject line or whether you should write your cover letter in the body of the email or attach it as a word-processed document (usually MS Word). Don't send a Word doc. if they want a PDF. If it's an attachment, be sure to write a few words expressing your interest and stipulate the job that you're applying for and what you've attached. Make sure you send the right cover letter!
- Never address your emails/cover letters with "Dear Sirs." This shows you haven't done your homework and you've assumed that the recipient is male. Forget about "To Whom It May Concern" Both show you're not all that interested in working for that company. So always address your letter to the name of the person receiving it. If you don't know, phone the company and find out.
- Don't use your cutesy email address! You may think it's clever/cute/artistic but the truth is that most employers won't hire someone who goes by "pookypunkhair28." Create a professional email address.
- This is not a brag-fest. Instead of listing everything you've ever done since you could walk and were awesome at, highlight some key skils, achievements, and characteristics relevant to your desired position.
- Use the active voice, eg. "I lead a team of 10 engineers." Avoid using a long word when a short one will do, eg. "use" vs. "utilize". Long letters with complex words come across as being dry and complicated – just the sort of letters that employers don't want to read.
- Proofread x 3! Resist the urge to use your spellchecker. If your brain is on the fritz, save the letter and return to it later. Ask someone else to read it for you. Take your time, as long as you're not applying on the application deadline, which of course, you'd never do, right?
2 thoughts on “How to Create a Terrific Cover Letter! (And Not Make It Suck!)”
Thank you for providing tips about the cover letter. Majority of the time, it states to send via the email address provided. I called most of the employers and won’t provide the actual names of the hiring managers. Perhaps you can include some instruction on what to do, or how to address when you don’t have an actual name to address the cover letter. Thank you and appreciate all the tips.
You’re so right – obtaining the name of the hiring manager is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Eons ago, I would merely address the letter, “Dear Sir or Madam”. Now I would try my best to find out the name, especially in this tight job environment. Try this advice provided by CareerRealism.
http://www.careerealism.com/7-ways-to-get-a-hiring-managers-name/#disqus_thread