Cautions When Writing A Cover Letter
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Common Cover Letter Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Cover letters are an essential marketing tool for the serious job seeker. It is the first point of contact for your potential employer so its needs to be effective and professional. Presentation, relevant content and dynamic copy are all key to the success of your application. However all your good work may be undone if you are not careful to avoid common errors that can detract from the impact of your cover letter.
There is no one sure-fire way to successfully appeal to an employer. You just never can be positive that what you are saying and how you're saying it will leave a lasting impression. You can be sure of one thing though, common errors will not only detract from your letter they will more than likely land your letter in the bin. These errors are easy to avoid if you put some serious time and effort into writing your cover letter. Make use of the vast resources available to you and ensure that you put your best foot forward whenever you address a potential employer.
There are a number of fundamental errors that are consistently made in the job search market. These errors can cost you interviews and jobs if you are not careful to avoid them. Your cover letter is an essential tool in your job search and you need to be aware of the power of its impact. Your letter needs to stand out and separate you from the competition but it should still follow the basic professional cover letter principals.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes - How to Avoid Them
Spelling and typos - Let's start simple, this is one mistake you don't want to make. Errors of this nature will have a negative impact on your cover letter, no matter how good the content and copy is. Spelling mistakes tell your potential employer that you are careless and not really serious about the position. This is not an image you want to present so be meticulous. Use a program such as Word spelling and grammar check, double check it yourself and then have some one else re check. When you are reading content repeatedly your brain starts to skim read without you even knowing it, making it easy to miss small mistakes. This is why you should always have a fresh pair of eyes read over your letter. This is a fundamental error that many people make but it is simple to avoid if you take the time to get it right.
Specifics - The use of standardized form cover letters is common for job seekers sending out their resumes. It is important to personalize your cover letter to show your interest, knowledge and connection with the company. Don't just send your cover letter and resume out with nothing but a change in name for each. Take the time to research the company and present specific information that is relevant to your employers.
Information overload - Your cover letter is a unique opportunity to sell yourself it is not a summary of your resume. Job seekers often just relay the information in their resume and call it a cover letter. The information is already there so you don't need to repeat yourself. Keep your cover letter brief and to the point and include information that is not in your resume such as information relevant to the specific position.
Your needs vs. company needs - A common cover letter mistake is outlining why you want or need the job. Employers are not really interested in your needs they are primarily interested in what you can do for them. A brief sentence on why you might want the job is acceptable but anything in further detail should be avoided.
Design - Many job seekers feel the need to be creative with fonts and designs in order to stand out. In business, it is important to keep your cover letter professional. Use standard fonts and simple clean designs. If you want to be creative, do so with your copy.
Addressing employers - Avoid `To whom it may concern' or `Dear sir'. Personalize your correspondence and address the person that will be considering your application. Be sure to get the spelling and title right.
The little things - It is the little things that go a long way towards making or breaking your chances. Small errors such as spelling, typos, misspelled names, faded ink, smudges on the page, disjointed content, forgotten information (phone number is a common one) and over zealous creativity will hinder your opportunities. Present yourself professionally and avoid fundamental errors by putting in the time and effort.
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Fatal Cover Letter Errors
Using gender specific salutations when you don't know who will be reading the cover letter. If you can't find out stick to `Dear Sir/Madam'.
Using a generic form cover letter rather than an individually typed letter. Every application should have a unique cover letter that contains specific and relevant information.
Lengthy paragraphs/sentences make the content harder to read. Your job is to provide the information in the most accessible way possible. Sentences should be short and succinct; paragraphs should be no more than 3 - 4 sentences.
Typos - A common mistake that can destroy all the hard work in an instant. Check the document thoroughly and have someone else check it for you before sending it out.
Spelling - ensure you have the correct spelling of names and company details. Also, double-check your document for spelling and grammatical errors that will detract from your content.
Clichés - don't use them in your cover letter.
Big words, these may sound good when you write them but bear in mind your cover letter should be personal and easy to follow. Read your letter out loud to see how well it flows and use big words sparingly.
Forgetting information such as contact details or your signature is common and can be fatal.
Going over information already outlined in your resume.
Using fancy fonts, colorful borders or creative structures.
Too much information is not effective when it comes to cover letters, 1 page is more than enough for the purpose of this letter.
Writing about why you want or need the job is a common error. Employers want to know what you can do for them not what they can do for you.
Saying you are going to follow up then not doing it. It is up to you to follow through on the cover letter so if you say you are going to do something it will be expected.
Lying on your cover letter can be fatal. You will be caught out eventually especially if you actually get the job and you can't do what you have said you could.
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The Myths About Cover Letter Writing
- Cover letters are not as important as the resume.
This is a fatal error and one that occurs more often than you would think. Job seekers spend countless hours pouring their heart and soul into creating a resume that will hopefully land them the job of their dreams. They then attach a cover letter as an afterthought. The problem with this is that cover letters are as important, if not more so than your actual resume. The cover letter is your first impression, if they like it, chances are they are going to see your resume in a positive light. If they don't then your resume will properly be going out with the trash without a second glance. You should spend as much if not more time on your cover letter than you do on your resume. You resume will be easily transferable across roles but your cover letter will need to be individually prepared for each new application.
- A generic cover letter will do the job.
Generic cover letters do more harm than good. Job seekers see value in this practice because it gives you exposure to a wider audience of potential employers. Sending out bulk resumes and letters gets you out there quickly and effectively. However, you may as well be sending them out into space for all the good it will do. Generic letters lack the personal insight, company awareness, positional knowledge and skill relation that a specific letter has. A generic letter sends a very distinct message to employers and it is not a positive one. In order to really create interest in your potential as an employee you need to show you have taken the time to get to know the role and the company. Show how you can help them specifically rather than generally. The best way to progress through the process is to make a connection with the employer. Build a relationship from the outset by personalizing your cover letter. You will be surprised how effective a targeted letter is compared to that of the generic variety.
- The cover letter is just a summary of your resume
The cover letter and resume are complementary to each other, they work hand in hand but they are separate documents containing very different information. A resume is fundamentally generic; it outlines education, professional experience and references. The basics of your resume won't change too much from application to application. Your cover letter should change for every job you go for. While it contains highlights of your resume it is not just a recount of the information. It highlights these points with specific links to the job you are going for. It shows how the information provided in your resume is relevant to the job and it will also contain information your resume may not. It is common for job seekers to rehash their resume in cover letter form; this is not an effective way to grab the attention of your potential employers. The cover letter is your chance to give a little personality to your resume. Instead of just giving information about you it gives information about what you can do for the company.
- The cover letter is all about your past experience
Many people go into great detail about their past experiences and jobs in the cover letter. There is room for a brief look at how you're past experiences have helped you develop skills that are transferable to the new job. But the cover letter is not the time to go into depth about this. It is more effective to outline what you can do now in the present that will benefit the company. Draw on your past experiences to demonstrate how you have achieved results and how you will achieve results for them too.
- Fancy fonts, creative color and big words will get attention.
Sure these factors will get attention but not the kind of attention you are after. A lot of people think that this is good way to stand out from the crowd. The best thing you can do in terms of your cover letter is focus on simplicity. Employers want easy to read, clear and concise copy. Avoid fancy fonts and color.
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Why A Bland Cover Letter Can Destroy Your Chances
A cover letter should be unique and should make the reader want to know more. A bland or generic cover letter will destroy your chances of getting past the first stage. The aim when sending out resumes and cover letters is to get an interview, you won't achieve this with a boring run of the mill cover letter.
Your cover letter needs to be dynamic, professional and creative. This means getting serious about crafting a letter that excites the reader and makes them want to get to know you. You will need to put in the hours defining what it is you feel you can offer. Your attributes and achievements are what will sell you to potential employers. It is as much about how you word it as it is about what you say.
E.g. Instead of `I have experience working within a team and have good communication skills' try `I have extensive experience coordinating ideas and working within a multi functional team. I have excellent communication skills which have proven effective in the team environment.'
This example not only highlights your attributes it shows how your skills have worked for you in past jobs. Your resume will further develop the idea and show how you have achieved results in a team environment. It is also adds a few high impact words such as experience, proven, communication, team and effective. This is a simple way to enhance the impact of your cover letter.
A bland cover letter just won't cut it on the job market these days. Your resume and cover letter will be submitted alongside 50 + applicants almost every time. The most difficult task you have in this regard is actually reaching your potential employer. You won't get much further than the trash can if you don't liven up your cover letter.
Try to replace common words with high impact words such as: great - excellent, proficient - professional, trained - expert. Other high impact words that will make your cover letter stand out include; effective, dynamic, results, experience, achievement, qualified, unique and communication.
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Why A Generic Cover Letter Simply Would Not Work
The key to a successful cover letter is specifics; that is why a generic cover letter simply won't work. Too many people make the mistake of going for quantity over quality. It seems easier and far less time consuming to send out bulk resumes and cover letters to high number of potential employers. The reality is this kind of cover letter does not convert in results. You may be reaching a wider audience but your message is getting lost in the cover letter.
Many employers won't go past the first sentence of a generic cover letter. Why should they take the time to get to know you when you haven't taken the time to address them specifically? Generic cover letters outline generalized skills, attributes and experiences without relating them to the specific company or role. This is a big mistake; a potential employer wants to know how your abilities relate to their company, business goals and specific positional requirements.
Generic cover letters are not targeted towards any specific person or position they are generally about you. Employers aren't really all that interested in you; they are interested in what you can do for them. Whereas a specific letter links your abilities to the position a generic letter merely outlines these abilities. The purpose of a cover letter is to capture the attention of the reader in order to present a viable candidate for a position. A generic letter might capture attention initially but it won't hold it for long and inevitably it will do more damage than good.
There are a number of attributes you can present to potential employers in the way you present your cover letter. A specific letter portrays professionalism, attention to detail, research skills and knowledge. A generic letter portrays disinterest, lack of commitment and an overall feeling that the job and company are not that important to you. After all if they were you would have taken the time to gather the basic information, address the employer personally and demonstrate why you are a match for the position.
Tailoring your cover letter to suit the position might be as simple as using a few of the keywords that are present in the advertisement. Generic letters don't do this and therefore you are on the back foot straight away. Employers want to know you have really thought about the role and how you could best fill it. Using their words to describe you is a good way to connect with the reader. For example, if the job description asks for "project management experience and a high level of communication skills" you can write something like "I have extensive knowledge of project management methodologies and experience communicating these concepts to achieve project objectives"
Specific cover letters have a personal touch that might just capture the attention of the right person. Generic letters don't work because the reader knows they are getting what 20 other employers are getting from you. Employers want to know the person they hire is willing to go the extra mile for them. So, start out like you mean to continue. Show your potential employers that you have already taken a step in their direction. Generic letters are more likely to line the rubbish bin than they are to make it to the employer's desk.
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