Do's and Don'ts of Writing a Cover Letter

Photo Courtesy of the DailyMuse

When beginning the job hunt process, there are two important components that will help you land an interview-your resume and cover letter. Your resume lists your accomplishments and skills while your cover letter shows your experiences and qualities that make you the right candidate for the job. The content you write on your cover letter will immediately show a potential employer whether or not you are a fitting candidate for the position based on your written abilities.

Recently, The DailyMuse posted an image of the "The Worst Cover Letter Ever Written." This is not an understatement. At first glance,  I thought that this individual attempted to stand out from the crowd by writing an original cover letter that would catch the attention of a potential employer who is shifting through a stack of applications. The second time I read this letter, I realized how arrogant and disrespectful this person came across. 

Here are some tips I've learned that would improve this cover letter! 

• Formatting- Your cover letter is the first impression that potential employers get of you, so it should be organized, well written and visually pleasing. An employer can tell you've taken the time to do some research on the company when you personalize a cover letter by including the correct address and interviewer's name. 
• Introduction- If you have ties to someone at the job you are applying for, be sure to drop their name. This shows right away that a reliable source believes you could be a great candidate for the job! In this section it is also important to illustrate that you are knowledgable about the company. Be sure to comment on how you've been following their latest project. 
•  Be Confident, Not Pompous- There is a huge difference between coming across as confident and arrogant. The letter above makes the writer seem way too reliant on his connections from college. Make sure to always be professional in your cover letter. Potential employers don't care if your frat brothers thought you were the "life of the party" what they will care about is how you would represent their company at all times. 
• Describe How Your Experiences Make You a Good Fit- You can display your confidence by writing out certain accomplishments you have made that align with the job description. This shows employers that you are experienced in certain areas that you know can help better the company. 
• Don't Trash Talk- Focus on your own strengths instead of other people's weaknesses. Writing a cover letter gives you a short amount of space to talk yourself up, so why waste space bad mouthing other applicants? Instead, emphasize how your experiences have prepared you for the job you are applying for.
• Proactive Concluding Paragraph- Rather than asking the employer to get back to you within a week make the initiative by letting them know you will contact them. A proactive sentence such as "I look forward to learning more about the position and will contact you this week to determine your availability" shows that you are organized and enthusiastic to begin the interviewing process. 
• Edit, Edit and Edit Again!- Not only is the letter above horrible to read because of the writer's conceited tone, but also it is filled with grammar mistakes. Since a cover letter demonstrates your writing abilities make sure to revise it several times. It also helps to have someone else edit your cover letter, sometimes they can find mistakes that you tend to overlook.