A cover letter is an essential part of any job application, and it can make or break your chances of landing an interview. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd, while a poorly written one can make a bad first impression.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when crafting the perfect cover letter:
Do’s:
- Customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. Use the job posting and company website to gather information about the company culture and values, and mention how your experience and skills align with their needs.
- Start strong. Your opening sentence should grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read on. Consider starting with a personal anecdote, a notable achievement, or a statement that showcases your enthusiasm for the position.
- Highlight your qualifications. Use your cover letter to showcase your relevant skills and experience. This is your chance to connect the dots between the requirements of the job and your previous experience.
- Keep it concise. Your cover letter should be no more than one page in length. Use concise and clear language to convey your message.
- Close with a call to action. End your cover letter with a statement that expresses your interest in the position and invites the reader to contact you to schedule an interview.
Don’ts:
- Use a generic template. Avoid using a generic cover letter template. Recruiters can spot these from a mile away and they show a lack of effort and interest.
- Include irrelevant information. Stick to the relevant details about your experience and qualifications. Avoid including information that is not related to the position.
- Be too casual. While you want to showcase your personality and enthusiasm, you should also maintain a professional tone. Avoid using slang, emojis, or overly casual language.
- Repeat your resume. Your cover letter should not be a summary of your resume. Instead, use it to highlight the most relevant aspects of your experience and how they qualify you for the job.
- Forget to proofread. Your cover letter should be free of errors, including typos, grammatical mistakes, and formatting issues. Take the time to proofread and have someone else read it over as well.
Crafting the perfect cover letter takes time and effort, but it can pay off in a big way. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a cover letter that stands out and increases your chances of landing an interview.
