Tips on how to write a good cover letter

The quality of your cover letter can determine the destination of your resume/cv. If your cover letter is
strong, your resume/cv is more likely to be placed in the "read again" pile, while a weak letter could mean
that both documents end up in the wastepaper basket.

When preparing your cover letter a one page cover letter, single spaced with separations between
paragraphs, is generally appropriate for accompanying most resumes/cvs. The opening paragraph should
accomplish two things. First, it should announce the purpose of the letter. Second, it should give the reader
a compelling reason to read on. The next paragraph represents the body of the letter. This section can be
one to three paragraphs and should focus on how your unique mix of skills and experiences can contribute
to the employer. This is the section of the cover letter that can become too long. It should not be a
restatement of your resume/cv.

The closing paragraph will depend upon the situation. If you are responding to an announcement without a
phone number or one stating, "no phone calls," don't end your letter with "I will contact you the week of
(date) to arrange a meeting to discuss my qualifications for the position." The closing should indicate the
next desired action; if that is receiving a call to schedule an interview, then a simple statement, "I look
forward to hearing from you," is appropriate.

Use an appropriate salutation. Ideally, address the letter to an individual, preferably the person who will
make the hiring decision. Be sure the name and title in the salutation is correct. However, when you can't
ascertain the hiring person's name, use a generic salutation. When unsure of the gender, use "Dear Sir or
Madam," or "To Whom It May Concern:"

Keep it short, but relevant. In general, a cover letter should take no more than 30 seconds to read. Longer
letters run the risk of being discarded by busy hiring officials who are reading many resumes/cvs. On the
other hand, executive recruiters report that they are not impressed by a short letter that simply states that
application is being made for a position and to see the attached resume/cv for more information. From their
viewpoint, this is an incomplete application. For most situations, a three paragraph letter on one page,
outlining the job seekers' goals and key accomplishments is appropriate.

Do not state salary expectations. Even when a job advertisement requests salary requirements,
"negotiable" is usually a safe response. Sometimes the initial screening is based on salary expectations, and
you do not want to be eliminated from the candidates to be interviewed because your salary expectations
are either too high or too low. Salary expectations that are too high can price you out of contention and if
too low may make you seem less qualified than your competition.

Resist copying sample cover letters verbatim. No single cover letter applies to all situations. For every
job application, a new letter should be drafted. Use samples or templates as guides, but they should not be
copied. Never use a form letter.

Eliminate all typos and other mistakes. Errors of any type can send your cover letter and resume/cv into
the wastepaper basket. Find a friend or colleague with a keen eye who will proofread your cover letter and
catch typos and mistakes before you send it and the accompanying resume/cv. Another proofreading tip is
to read your cover letter and resume/cv backwards.