Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter Dos and Donts

A cover letter is often the first impression you’ll make on potential employers, so creating the perfect one that stands out from the rest is essential and will help you to get noticed. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow when crafting the perfect cover letter.

Do: Introduce Yourself

Your cover letter should start with a professional introduction that includes your name, position you’re applying for, and how you found out about the job. Follow that with a short paragraph about your experience and your enthusiasm for the role. This is your chance to hook the reader and entice them to read on.

Don't: Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter should not merely go over the same information as your resume. Instead of listing your qualifications, talk about how this new role would benefit you and the experiences you have that would make you the ideal candidate. Discuss why you are passionate about the job and the company, and what skills and abilities you can bring to the team.

Do: Tell a Story

Your cover letter should provide an overview of thematic details that tie together with the main point of how you can be useful. Unlike a resume which is a list of skills and job titles, a cover letter provides a glimpse of your performance, and how you went above and beyond expectations in previous roles. It’s a chance to tell the story of your career and the positive impact you can have in the role.

Don't: Remain Too Formal

Your cover letter should demonstrate your ability to communicate well and engage with the reader, so it should sound like it’s written in your own voice. It should not be too rigid or overly formal, but should instead be conversational, showcasing your personality. It doesn’t hurt to show a bit of your humor to help make the best first impression.

Do: Keep It Focused

Your cover letter should highlight what you can bring to the company and the position, so make sure you keep the focus on the qualifications or Laroline that the employer is looking for. It should also relate to the job you’re applying for so make sure to research what the company needs and tailor your letter accordingly.

Don’t: Forget to Proofread

This is one of the most important dos and don’ts: make sure you read through and edit your cover letter several times before you send it off. It should be free of spelling mistakes and grammar errors, and it should be consistent in terms of content and tone throughout. Once you’ve finished editing, you can even have a friend or family member take a look just to make sure it’s perfect.

Final Thoughts

Your cover letter is the first impression employers will have of you, so it’s important to make sure it’s perfect. Remember to introduce yourself, don’t merely rehash your resume, tell a story, keep it conversational, stay focused, and proofread multiple times. Doing these few simple steps will help you craft the perfect cover letter and stand out from other applicants!