Tip of the Day

When creating your cover letter there are many things which you want to include, and then there are some things that you need to avoid. Here are five helpful reminders of what you want to avoid putting in your cover letter.

1. Using a non specific form of address

When addressing the hiring manager you want to avoid using terms such as “to whom it may concern” and” Dear sir/madam”. Taking the extra effort to find the names of the hiring manager shows that you are interested in the position and not taking the short way out by not researching the information further.

2. Repeating what’s on your resume

You never want to repeat the information that you’ve put on your resume onto your cover letter. You can highlight points from your resume if they are directed to the job posting, but other than that leave the information on your resume. Your cover letter is a chance for you to sell yourself to the employer on knowledge, skills, and abilities that are not included in your resume.

3. Using standard language

You do not want to use one cover letter for every job you apply for. Cover letters should be made specific for each job that you apply for, even if they are similar. Read the job posting carefully, be sure to add any knowledge, skills, or abilities that you acquire in order to let them know that you have what they are looking for.

4. Using weak or inactive language

Skip phrases such as “I believe” and “I feel” and replace them with phrases such as “I am”. This is a much stronger form of writing and shows the hiring manager that you know that you have these skills rather than thinking you might have them.

5. Failing to check for errors

Avoid obvious and not so obvious spelling and grammar errors throughout your cover letter. This will be the first form on written communication that the employer will see from you and will be able to see the level of clear written communication you have. With errors it could show that you have either poor communication skills, that you do not pay attention to detail, as well as that you did not take the time to proof read the letter for any errors.