Below are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when writing your cover letter.
Do’s
- Address your letter to a specific person.
- Use "Dear Director" or "Dear Personnel Manager" if you don’t know proper names.
- Send with resume.
- Keep it brief (one page).
- Send an original letter to each employer.
- Proofread all letters for mistakes.
- Use action verbs.
- Take action - either request an interview or let them know that you will follow up with a phone call.
- Be sure the employer can reach you (correct phone number, address, email).
- Let the employer know which job you are seeking.
- Be positive and upbeat.
- End your letter by thanking the person reading it for his or her time.
Don’ts
- Don’t ever send a cover letter that has typos, misspellings, or has food or drink stains.
- Don’t send photocopies. Send an original copy.
- Don’t tell employers what they can do for you; tell them what you can do for them.
- Don’t say anything you can’t back up.
- Don’t be vague.
- Don’t give a specific salary requirement.