Cover Letter Don’ts

Writing a cover letter may be the hardest and most time consuming part of your job search.  While it may in fact be time consuming, it is the most important piece of your application.  A cover letter is often the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers look at.  It is your chance to catch their eye and show them that you are the most qualified person for the job.  That being said, your cover letter needs to be perfect, so, here are ten cover letter don’ts from monster.ca.

1. Don’t overuse “I.” While the focus of the cover letter is on your accomplishments, be sure to indicate how you meet your employer’s needs.
2. Don’t have a weak opening. If your cover letter is the first thing an employer reads about you, then the opening is the first part of the cover letter that is read.  You need to be sure it is engaging and keeps the reader wanting to continue reading.
3. Don’t omit your top selling points.  You need to sell yourself the to the employer.  Thus, you must include why you are the perfect candidate for the position, and the easiest and best way to do this is illustrate your skills and successes.  Be sure to carefully include key words and phrases from the job posting.
4. Don’t make it too long or too short. Too short and you may have not put enough time or effort in, and it may not be enough space to include all the relevant information.  Too long and you may come off as overly confident or the reader may get bored and quit reading.  Three or four paragraphs is probably enough to get all your important information conveyed to the reader.  However, be sure that you are not rambling on and repeating yourself.
5. Don’t repeat your resume. Your cover letter is an introduction to your resume, not a regurgitated version of it.  While it is important to include similar information, it gives you a better opportunity to elaborate on your skills and successes.
6. Don’t be vague. Be specific as to the position you are applying for, as well as why you are qualified for the job.
7. Don’t forget to customize. While it is a good idea to have a general cover letter template, you MUST change it for each job you apply for.  Be sure to change the position title, company name and addressee.  Also try to match your skills and qualifications with the job posting.
8. Don’t end on a passive note.  Be proactive and indicate when you are going to follow-up, rather than waiting for a phone call for the interview.
9. Don’t forget a thank you. ALWAYS thank the reader for their time and consideration for the position.
10. Don’t forget to sign. If you are mailing or faxing your application, it is proper business etiquette to include your signature.