Crafting an Effective Cover Letter: Dos and Don'ts

Your cover letter serves as your introduction to potential employers, offering a glimpse into your
personality, qualifications, and suitability for the role. However, a poorly constructed cover letter can
hinder your chances of landing the job you desire. To help you make a positive impression, we've
compiled a list of dos and don'ts to keep in mind when writing your cover letter.

Dos:

1. Tailor Your Cover Letter:Customize each cover letter to the specific job and company
you're applying to. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of
the position.
2. Address the Hiring Manager: Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific
person rather than using a generic greeting like "To Whom It May Concern." Research the
company or contact the HR department to find the hiring manager's name.
3. Showcase Your Achievements:Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on your
accomplishments and how they contributed to your previous employers' success. Use
quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your impact.
4. Be Concise and Professional: Keep your cover letter concise, ideally one page in length.
Use professional language and avoid unnecessary jargon or slang. Proofread carefully to
ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
5. Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the company and the position you're
applying for. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity and how you can contribute
to the organization's goals.

Don'ts:

1. Don't Use a Generic Template: Avoid using generic cover letter templates that don't allow
for personalization. Hiring managers can spot a template from a mile away, and it may give
the impression that you're not genuinely interested in the position.
2. Don't Focus Solely on Yourself:While it's important to highlight your skills and
experiences, your cover letter should also demonstrate how you can benefit the company.
Avoid coming across as self-centered by emphasizing what you can offer to the employer.
3. Don't Repeat Your Resume: Your cover letter should complement your resume, not
duplicate it. Use this opportunity to provide additional context or examples that showcase
why you're the ideal candidate for the job.
4. Don't Include Negative Information: Avoid mentioning any negative experiences or
reasons for leaving previous positions in your cover letter. Keep the focus on your strengths
and what you can bring to the table.
5. Don't Forget to Follow Up: After submitting your application, don't forget to follow up with
the hiring manager if you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe. A brief, polite
email can demonstrate your continued interest in the position.

In conclusion, a well-crafted cover letter can significantly enhance your job application and increase
your chances of securing an interview. By following these dos and don'ts, you can create a
compelling cover letter that highlights your strengths and leaves a positive impression on potential
employers.

For professional assistance with crafting a standout cover letter, consider reaching out to
BestResumeHelp.com . Our team of experts can provide personalized guidance and support to help
you land your dream job.
Typically, whether you use a comma or a colon is a matter of personal preference. The working
world has come a long way in the last 10 years. Also avoid beginning letters with “Dear Sir or
Madam,” or worse, choosing one or the other. Use your connections to find people who work at the
company you're applying to, and ask if they know who the hiring manager for your desired position
is. But the HR director doesn’t necessarily have to be the hiring manager leading this particular
recruitment process. If you don’t know the person’s preferred pronouns, then it’s best to just use
their full name. Who to address a cover letter to, especially if the recipient is unknown. For example,
if the person is known for a recent scandal, mentioning them might do more harm than good. You
should only use them when you know someone or are in a social environment. She has a B.A. in
Communication from Stonehill College, and a Master of Liberal Studies in Creative Writing from the
University of Denver. Frame your accomplishments in a way that highlights the value you can bring
to the organization. If nothing shows up, then you will have to start contacting someone at the
company to find out. It didn’t have any of that red stuff on it, you know what I mean, around the
corners. Find a job at a place that supports the kinds of things you're looking for. If you know that
they have a title like Dr., Professor, and so on, use it instead of their first name. One of our users,
Valcia, had this to say: Zety is an excellent resume and cover letter generator with excellent customer
service. Here's what it may look like: Create my cover letter now See more cover letter templates and
start writing. I am positive that my expertise in building web applications in Java and my experience
with user interface design, database structures, and statistical analysis align with the job requirement.
This may help you uncover the specific department or hiring manager’s name. It will create
disincentives for individuals who seek to cross illegally into the country during border closure.” The
bill would also end the practice of “catch and release.” If passed into law, the bill would allow
migrants who come to the border through lawful ports of entry and families to enter the U.S. under
federal supervision for 90 days while they complete asylum interviews. If you're not familiar with the
order, err on the side of caution and use both. Articles In Cover Letter Guide Cover Letter Format.
Right-leaning Senate Republicans have blasted the deal for not going far enough. Smaller companies
and startups may not have a lot of specific job titles or departments. Just because you're addressing a
cover letter to an unknown person doesn't mean that you have to bore them. Unless specifically stated
otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with Zety. A
personalized cover letter demonstrates that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in
the position, which can make a positive impression on the recipient. Health Insurance Paid Vacation
Remote Work Opportunities Dental Insurance 401k With Matching Vision Insurance Promote From
Within Flexible Work Hours Personal Sick Days Performance Bonus Calculating your job matches.
You can do a quick company search and find employees who are currently working there. I’d be very
thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
And when making cover letters, the most commonly used term is Dear, which is often used before
the recipient’s name. In 2024, when hiring managers have to sift through a deluge of applications for
every open position, your professional network is more than just a rolodex of contacts. The
unauthorized disclosure of this information, both today and in 2017 when Mr. Biden was no longer
vice president, reasonably could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national
security.”. Here are a few FAQs that will help you gain a quick recap. Example: Name dropping in a
cover letter Here’s an example of name dropping in a cover letter that showcases achievements first,
integrates the name-drops into the applicant’s story, and uses the name drop as support, not the lead.
Well, you can probably say goodbye to an advantages dropping their name would’ve given you in
the first place. Look first for the hiring manager’s name, then for the recruiter’s name. The job
posting usually includes information about the Hiring Manager. Use The Muse to find a job at a
company with a culture you love. This image is not licensed under the Creative Commons license
applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Frequently Asked
Questions Get answers to frequently asked questions about resumes, Zety, and more. Are you
sending a letter (or email) to the whole company. One way is to start off with any of the salutations
mentioned above. Typically, whether you use a comma or a colon is a matter of personal preference.
House Republicans are accusing him and Biden of failing to enforce immigration laws and secure the
southern border. “No president in the history of our county has ever done more to intentionally harm
the United States than what the president has done with the border invasion,” said Rep. Double-
check your cover letter to make sure there are no mistakes. Always address your cover letter to the
hiring manager —also when you know that it will go through the hands of a recruiter. When you
have collaborated on significant projects together This is especially relevant when you've worked on
projects that are related to the job you're applying for. And those who do not qualify will quickly be
returned to their home countries.” The package also includes bipartisan sweeteners, including the
FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which would target, sanction and block the financial assets of people
involved in the fentanyl supply chain, from chemical suppliers in China to drug traffickers from
Mexico. We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored
to your needs. Create your cover letter now Use this cover letter template Sample Cover Letter for a
CV— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here. And the bill would give the
president the power to suspend a border closure “on an emergency basis for up to 45 days if it is in
the national interest.” During an emergency closure, Border Patrol would still need to process a
minimum of 1,400 migrants who try to enter the U.S. legally through ports of entry. Keep in mind
that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. CV Help Improve your CV with help
from expert guides. By signing up, you agree to InHerSight's Terms and Privacy Policy. Addressing a
cover letter is one of the very first things you do, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get right. If
you’re emailing a large company, mention specific people you have spoken with over email or via
social media in your letter. Every year, the quality of our content attracts 40 million readers to our
site. Addressing your cover letter as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” is still
better than not sending a cover letter at all. In just one week after making the changes the AI
suggested, I received three times the number of profile views and.
Cover Letter Templates Find the perfect cover letter template. Create your cover letter now Use this
cover letter template Sample Cover Letter for a CV— See more cover letter examples and create
your cover letter here. If you want to seem like a minor character in Downton Abbey that is. Resume
Checker Get your resume checked and scored with one click. The best, of course, is to find out what
their name is and address the letter to them. After all, they’re hiring you, not your connections When
you don’t have permission If a contact or mentor has specifically requested not to be named in your
job applications or public documents, it's important to respect their privacy and discretion. At the
other end of the spectrum, beginning with “Hello” or even worse, “Hi!” is too informal, and again,
shows that you haven’t done any research at all to customize the letter. Additionally, I’ve reduced the
cost of customer acquisition by over 15% and consistently topped sales quotas by over 20% since
starting at ABC. If there’s a staff page, chances are it’ll list the manager of each team. Even if you
can’t find specifics about an individual, researching the company and its mission, vision, goals and
priorities can give you some ideas on how to write a better cover letter that gets you noticed. Scott
Wong Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News. Learn more about how
networking can help job seekers get noticed by potential employers in this article. Hur wrote that
experts in the intelligence community said the document contains “highly sensitive information
about the military programs of the United States and a foreign government. After reading the job
description, I am confident that I’m the right person for the job. By continuing to use our site, you
agree to our cookie policy. Consider using “Senior Analyst Hiring Manager” or “Research Manager
Search Committee”—something that shows that you’ve written this letter with a particular audience
in mind and aren’t just sending the same generic letter for every job opening. Addressing a cover
letter is one of the very first things you do, but it’s also one of the trickiest to get right. What Title to
Use Even when you’ve got a name and a gender you still need to use the right personal title to
address your cover letter. Rate my article: how to address a cover letter Average: 4.48 ( 224 votes)
Thank you for voting Tom Gerencer, CPRW Tom Gerencer is a career expert and Certified
Professional Resume Writer who has published over 200 in-depth articles on Zety. I was reading
your job listing and noticed that you’re looking for someone to fill the position of (job title). I’d be
very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Pacific Life Coach. Expert Interview. 8 July
2022. When the person is irrelevant to the position or the company Name-dropping is inappropriate if
the person has no relevant connection to the job or company you're applying to. This situation is
more likely to happen with massive companies like Google or Apple. Now that you understand how
not to address a cover letter, you can take to writing with the confidence that you won't make a
mistake. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your
interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or
content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). CV Help Improve your
CV with help from expert guides. All of these are good for an employee to have and show you to be
someone that’s worth investing further time in. For example, one job seeker found the recipient's
name through LinkedIn and personalized his cover letter, which helped him land an interview and
ultimately secure the position. Write a clear and professional subject line: Hiring managers receive
around 118 applications for every job.
But seriously, do use the comments section for any questions or feedback, I’d love to start a
discussion. Typos and other errors can make a poor impression on the recipient. While using a job
title may not guarantee success, it can increase your chances of making a favorable impression. This
way, your skills and successes remain the focal point. I’ve always taken it with a good sense of
humour, but don’t risk causing offence. Studies show that babies as young as five months old
already react to hearing their names. English English (UK) Italiano My Account You control your
data We and our partners use cookies to provide you with our services and, depending on your
settings, gather analytics and marketing data. And the bill would give the president the power to
suspend a border closure “on an emergency basis for up to 45 days if it is in the national interest.”
During an emergency closure, Border Patrol would still need to process a minimum of 1,400
migrants who try to enter the U.S. legally through ports of entry. She received her BS from UNC
Charlotte in German Studies. Here are a few important points to remember: If you’re not sure who to
address a cover letter to, do your best to learn the hiring manager’s name. If none of your research
yields a name, there's nothing wrong with calling or emailing the company before you draft your
cover letter. While the application process can feel faceless, formless, and impersonal, there are actual
people at these companies that sort through resumes. For example, you might discover that the
person doing the hiring went to your alma mater, or shares the same hobby. Settings Accept Cookie
settings Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your
experience on our Site. Ask your business network: there’s a chance your LinkedIn connections
know someone working for the company that interests you. Well, why don't we take a moment to
talk about what not to do. By following our advice, you can increase your chances of landing that
job interview and making a great first impression. Would it be possible for you to provide me the
name and email id of the hiring manager so that I can address the cover letter properly?”. Even if
they aren't the hiring manager, they are likely involved in the hiring process and can get your cover
letter and resume to the right person. Highlight your experience After all the advice we’ve given on
how not to sound arrogant when name dropping, you may think that’s the primary danger with it.
Just channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and investigate using the tips below: Find Out Who to
Address a Cover Letter To Here are a few ideas to help you establish the right cover letter address:
Carefully scan the job posting: make sure the hiring manager’s name's not in it—maybe you missed
it on the first try. Otherwise, continue with a professional and engaging salutation as mentioned
earlier. Opt for a humbler approach, such as, “I had the privilege of working closely with the CEO on
X project.” Before you send that cover letter, make sure your resume is ready for the hiring manager.
Some people will put preferred pronouns in email signatures or on their LinkedIn profiles, so it might
be a good idea to check. If it isn’t there you will then have to start doing a little bit more
investigative work. Pacific Life Coach. Expert Interview. 8 July 2022. This guide will show you:
How to address a cover letter correctly when you know the recruiter’s name. Open doors for yourself
In certain situations, mentioning a well-regarded connection can unlock opportunities that might
otherwise be hard to reach. Not to mention, it’s overly formal and doesn’t convey your personality.
Again, this is typically simply a matter of personal preference.
Research the organization’s goals, values, and recent projects, then incorporate this information into
your cover letter. If it is unavoidable, aim to get personal as soon as possible. Now, this does not
mean you should contact some random person at the company who lists the company’s name on their
profile. Maybe you’re applying for a job, and the company hasn’t been formally named yet, or maybe
you’ve applied to an organization that doesn’t use names in their communications. For example,
“During my time at GreenTech, I collaborated with John Adams, an expert in sustainable
technologies, on developing eco-friendly housing solutions.” This not only shows your experience
but also connects you with a known figure in the field. And he wrote that “the evidence does not
show that when Mr. Biden shared the specific passages with his ghostwriter, Mr. Biden knew the
passages were classified and intended to share classified information.”. It will create disincentives
for individuals who seek to cross illegally into the country during border closure.” The bill would also
end the practice of “catch and release.” If passed into law, the bill would allow migrants who come
to the border through lawful ports of entry and families to enter the U.S. under federal supervision
for 90 days while they complete asylum interviews. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver
content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you
interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video
viewing). Necessary These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to
use its features. One simple way is to look at the application and double-check that the hiring
manager’s name isn’t on the main listing. Then you need to address the cover letter to the reporting
manager. Check the company website: see if it lists the department’s heads. Create connection Name
dropping can foster a sense of shared network or community, which is particularly effective in
referral cover letters. You can learn more about how to find the name of the hiring manager using
LinkedIn in this helpful article. Your cover letter could be the first opportunity you have to make an
impression on the hiring manager, so make sure you show that you did your research. Cover Letter
Format Pick the right format for your situation. About Zety’s Editorial Process Our editorial team
has thoroughly reviewed this article to ensure it follows Zety’s editorial guidelines. I used to be
seeking this certain info for a long time. It would change immigration laws to allow the children of
people with H-1B visas to get work authorizations and freeze their legal ages while waiting for green
cards, rather than face deportation once they hit age 21. And if you mess up your cover letter
opening what chance does the rest of your cover letter have. DHS could close the border if Border
Patrol encountered 4,000 or more migrants on average over seven days. Addressing your cover letter
as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern” is still better than not sending a cover
letter at all. Job Search Learn how to find the right job and get it. Also avoid beginning letters with
“Dear Sir or Madam,” or worse, choosing one or the other. If they don’t, then you will have to then
move on to the next step of figuring out how to address a cover letter to an unknown person. And
the bill would give the president the power to suspend a border closure “on an emergency basis for
up to 45 days if it is in the national interest.” During an emergency closure, Border Patrol would still
need to process a minimum of 1,400 migrants who try to enter the U.S. legally through ports of entry.
Here are some of the worst ways you could address a cover letter to an unknown recipient. At this
point, it’s very tough to say that the House has a majority of the majority to bring it to the floor,”
Mullin told reporters after meeting with Johnson. “You have a lot of people up for re-election, and
the perception of the American people is that it’s bad. Choose type of cookies to accept Analytics
These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating
resumes and cover letters. Stick to gender-neutral titles or use the recipient's full name when in doubt.
However, it’s one of the most important pieces because it’s the first thing the hiring managers will
read. Even if you don't know the recipient's name, demonstrating courtesy in your greeting will set a
positive tone for the rest of your cover letter. Just channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and
investigate using the tips below: Find Out Who to Address a Cover Letter To Here are a few ideas to
help you establish the right cover letter address: Carefully scan the job posting: make sure the hiring
manager’s name's not in it—maybe you missed it on the first try. Create a CV Cover Letter Cover
Letter Builder Create a cover letter in 5 minutes. Ideas on how to address a cover letter without a
name. I am extremely interested in the profile of Java Developer at Sky High Services Ltd. Here’s
how you discover who to address a cover letter to: Check out the job advert, you might be lucky
enough to find a named email address. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not
intended to imply any affiliation or association with Zety. Check LinkedIn: job offers posted on
LinkedIn often indicate the person who created the offer. However, if you are sending out a cover
letter to an unknown hiring influence, you can address it to “Dear Hiring Team” or “Dear Hiring
Manager.”. There are plenty of appropriate salutations you can use. Express your interest in further
discussing your qualifications and offer your availability for an interview. In 2024, when hiring
managers have to sift through a deluge of applications for every open position, your professional
network is more than just a rolodex of contacts. Don’t stop with the address, make sure the rest of
your cover letter is perfectly written too. How to Write a Cover Letter Learn how to make a cover
letter that gets interviews. That includes funding for things like military training, intelligence sharing
and replenishing military weapons and equipment. Learn more: How to Write a Cover Letter Fast
How to Address a Cover Letter Without a Name It’s true that many job postings don’t include the
recruiter’s or hiring manager’s name. CV Format Pick the right format for your situation. And the
good news is, there’s a pretty straightforward answer. Plus, it will give tips on what to include in
your cover letter. In this guide, we'll talk about what name-dropping really means in a cover letter
and why it can be a powerful tool if used wisely. A LinkedIn job posting will often list who posted
the advert. Of course, that can’t always happen, but as long as the effort is clearly made, you’ll be
showing whoever reads your cover letter that you’ve put time into your application and are truly
excited about the opportunity. The bill may also lose support from some progressives and Hispanic
Caucus members, who worry that Democrats are conceding too much and complain that they’ve
been shut out of negotiations. “Every time it gets to this immigration stuff, regardless of who the
president is, they always err on the side of being stricter,” said Rep. Now that you understand how
not to address a cover letter, you can take to writing with the confidence that you won't make a
mistake. Some people will put preferred pronouns in email signatures or on their LinkedIn profiles, so
it might be a good idea to check. After reading the job description, I am confident that I’m the right
person for the job. Well, why don't we take a moment to talk about what not to do. Now, this does
not mean you should contact some random person at the company who lists the company’s name on
their profile. This way, your skills and successes remain the focal point.
In that case, do a general internet search for the name of the company and see what comes up. I
realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. Adapt your format
accordingly for an email cover letter. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms
such as Facebook. Regardless of which prefix you choose, always customize your content to suit the
specific job and company you’re applying to. CV Help Improve your CV with help from expert
guides. It will create disincentives for individuals who seek to cross illegally into the country during
border closure.” The bill would also end the practice of “catch and release.” If passed into law, the
bill would allow migrants who come to the border through lawful ports of entry and families to enter
the U.S. under federal supervision for 90 days while they complete asylum interviews. By addressing
your letter to the “team” you’ve got everyone covered and they will all feel as if the letter was
written directly to them. About Zety’s Editorial Process Our editorial team has thoroughly reviewed
this article to ensure it follows Zety’s editorial guidelines. I found out why I wasn't getting
interviews and exactly what to add to get past resume screeners. This image is not licensed under the
Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow
website. Think of it as a subtle endorsement of your capabilities— one that took your colleagues
zero extra time to write. Frame your accomplishments in a way that highlights the value you can
bring to the organization. That means that even if you don’t know the recipient’s name, you want to
maintain the same professional tone in the letter and avoid overly stilted language or being too
informal. Cover Letter Format Pick the right format for your situation. Let the Hiring Manager know
that they can reach out to you anytime during their application process if they want to talk more
about it. You'll learn how to build trust and credibility, create connections, and highlight your
experiences through name dropping without sounding like a know-it-all. Get proven strategies on
how to unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a
rocketship. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Unless you travelled back in time,
and you’re seeking employment in the 19th century, don’t use it. 4. Addressing the Cover Letter to
the Wrong Person WRONG Dear Human Resources Director, This looks fine at first glance. If the
hiring manager’s name isn’t immediately apparent, then there are some other options open to you
before addressing the cover letter to an unknown recipient. Matt is also a Certified Professional
Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University. Showcase achievements
first Highlight your achievements before mentioning your connections. Only unaccompanied minors
would be able to cross between ports of entry. This applies to both marital status, such as using Mrs.
or Miss, but also whether they have a doctorate. Job Interviews Prepare for any interview and ace it.
By signing up, you agree to InHerSight's Terms and Privacy Policy. In the beginning of the cover
letter make sure to distinguish what department and position you are applying for. Create a resume
now CV CV Builder Create a CV in 5 minutes. Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your
inbox Must be a valid e-mail address.