The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you're eager to make a positive impression and land that dream job. A well-crafted cover letter is your chance to showcase your personality, highlight your achievements, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the position. However, as crucial as it is to get it right, knowing what to avoid is equally important. Here’s a guide to the dos and don’ts of writing a compelling cover letter.

The Dos

1. Do Tailor Your Letter to the Job

Customizing your cover letter for each job application is imperative. Study the job description closely and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Reflect those in your cover letter by aligning your own experiences and achievements with the job requirements. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application and are genuinely interested in the position.

2. Do Start with a Strong Opening

Grab the employer’s attention from the start. Your opening should be engaging and succinct, clearly stating the position you are applying for and a brief sentence on why you believe you’re a great fit. A strong opening sets the stage for the rest of your letter.

3. Do Highlight Relevant Accomplishments

Instead of just listing your responsibilities, emphasize what you’ve accomplished in your previous roles and how these successes relate to the job you’re applying for. Quantify your achievements with numbers and specifics whenever possible to make a stronger impact.

4. Do Make it Professional and Concise

Your cover letter should be professional in tone, well-structured, and ideally not more than one page long. Use clear and simple language, sticking to a format that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Do Show Enthusiasm for the Role

Employers prefer candidates who are genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with them. Convey your enthusiasm for the role and the company by mentioning what appeals to you about both, and how you hope to contribute to the organization’s success.

6. Do Proofread Your Letter

Errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling can detract from the professionalism of your cover letter. Carefully read through your letter to catch any mistakes and consider asking a friend or using a professional service for an extra pair of eyes.

The Don’ts

1. Don’t Use a Generic Format

Avoid the temptation to use a generic cover letter for every job application. Employers are not impressed by cookie-cutter applications and can often tell when an applicant hasn’t made an effort to personalize their cover letter.

2. Don’t Reiterate Your Resume

Your cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Use this opportunity to provide more depth and context to the experiences listed in your resume, and focus on telling your professional story.

3. Don’t Focus on What You Want

While it’s essential to express enthusiasm, focus on how you can benefit the company rather than emphasizing what the company can do for you. Employers are interested in candidates who can add value to their organization.

4. Don’t Use Overused Phrases

Using clichés and buzzwords can make your cover letter blend into the crowd. Instead, use genuine language that reflects who you are and your specific experiences.

5. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information

Stick to what’s pertinent to the job you are applying for. Including personal hobbies or unrelated work experience can dilute your message and distract from your qualifications.

6. Don’t Forget to Follow Up

Finally, after submitting your cover letter and resume, be sure to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a reasonable timeframe. A polite follow-up email can reiterate your interest and keep you top-of-mind with hiring managers.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective cover letter is as much about what you say as how you say it. By focusing on the dos and avoiding the don’ts, you can create a cover letter that not only distinguishes you from other candidates but also leaves a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember, this is your first opportunity to showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the job – make it count!