Cover letters are a great way to make a first impression. For each of the sections of your cover letter, remember to:
- Address your letter to a particular person. If you haven't done this, have you done some research to find out a specific person to whom it should be addressed?
- Confirm the spelling of the recipient's name.
- Use the appropriate title for the recipient.
- Use a colon following the salutation.
- Indicate exactly what position you are applying for and how you found out about the opening.
- State clearly why you are interested in the position and the organization.
- Provide specific examples of skills related to the position.
- Present your letter in a form that is neat and attractive.
- Avoid rewriting your resume.
- Vary the sentence structure.
- Limit the use of "I" and "My" at the start of each sentence.
- Express appreciation for the employer's consideration of your application.
- Tell the employer what you can do for the organization rather than what it can do for you.
- Create an original letter rather than a mass-produced copy.
- Spell every word correctly and use crisp diction.
- Verify the grammar, syntax, punctuation and capitalization throughout your letter.
- Convey confidence without seeming arrogance.
- Sign your name in blue or black ink.
- Print your letter on bond paper using a high-quality printer.