TIPS FOR WRITING AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER Always include your contact information Your name, email address and phone number (with area code) should be included in the cover letter. You may include an electronic signature (jpeg image) if sending the cover letter via email. Address a specific person who can hire you “Dear Sir/Madam” letters are less likely to get attention. Network, research or call to find out exactly who is making the hiring decisions. Get the correct title, gender and spelling of the person’s name for the letter. Make the opening sentence relevant and memorable Employers scan cover letters. Sentences that tell how your skills and abilities match the job will encourage the employer to continue reading. Grab the employer’s attention by pointing out how you can make a difference in a way no other candidate can. Research the company and tailor each letter to the specific job Research the company and explain why you have chosen to apply. Avoid writing generic or nonspecific cover letters. Refer to the specific job in the first paragraph. Use terms and phrases from the job posting and company’s website. Briefly describe your skills as they relate to the job Tie your experience and skills to the job description. Clarify how your expertise will benefit the company directly, but be brief. Employers receive numerous cover letters daily, so get right to the point with as few words as possible. Never send a letter that is more than a page in length. Use professional language. Type and proofread your cover letter Write the letter in your own words. Convey your enthusiasm and individuality, but avoid anything overly personal. Avoid using acronyms, contractions and jargon. Do not make grammar and spelling mistakes as they communicate that you do not pay attention to details. Have someone else proofread your letter. Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make it an example of your best work. Visual impression and formatting must be consistent The visual impression of your cover letter can be just as important as what is written in it. Use a consistent font and font size. Match the letterhead style on your cover letter with your resume. Be confident, creative and positive! Avoid negatives! Your cover letter and resume are your bestselling tools to get the interview. Highlight parts of your background that show that you will work well in their work environment. Do not discuss employment gaps or any other potentially negative issues in the cover letter. End with an action you will take Call the employer to make sure your cover letter and resume arrived. You will greatly increase your chances of getting an interview if you call the employer directly after sending it. Ask if it would be possible to set up an interview. 34
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