Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts

Cover Letter Do's…

• Do make sure the cover letter is personalized to the receiving individual
• Do address the specific position being advertised
• Do get to the point – the cover letter is a summary not a story
• Do make sure your cover letter is free of spelling and grammar errors
• Do sign your cover letter
• Do use the same header and font as your resume
• Do include salary expectations only when requested
• Do keep a copy of your cover letter for your files
• Do search the correct address of the company
• Do send a cover letter with every resume

Cover Letter Don'ts…

• Don't use a template or generic letter for every company or position of interest
• Don't end your letter passively, be assertive showing your initiative to follow-up
• Don't assume the spelling of the contact name – ask!
• Don't avoid using “I” to start every sentence
• Don't use coloured paper
• Don't focus just on soft skills in the content of the cover letter
• Don't use a referring person's name (a network contact) without their permission
• Don't use To Whom it May Concern to direct the letter
• Don't beg or appear desperate in your letter
• Don't use fancy bullets