Along with a resume, an individual will need to send a cover letter. A cover letter should be a short professional letter that draws attention to the specific reasons why the person is applying for a job and why the person should be interviewed for a possible position.
It’s important not to skip over this step. An eye-catching cover letter is just as important, if not more important, than a resume. Job seekers must understand how to use a resume and cover letter in combination to sell themselves to potential employers.
Cover Letter Do's and Dont's:
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DO
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Keep your cover letter brief and to the point.
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Be sure to proofread.
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Explain why you want to work for this company.
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Highlight your most relevant qualifications.
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Tailor the cover letter to specific employers.
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Be sure your contact information is current.
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Sign your cover letter.
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Use white paper, black ink and a properly addressed business envelope if sending a hard copy.
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Save an electronic version of your cover letter.
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DON’T
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Don’t repeat your resume verbatim. This is your chance to explain things in more detail that you could not in your resume.
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Don’t send a generic cover letter – show your personal knowledge of and interest in that particular company.
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Don’t overuse the word “I.”
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Don’t focus only on what you hope to gain. Instead, describe what you can offer the employer.
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