Your cover letter should be only one page long. Any longer and you’re giving too much information, taking up too much of a recruiter’s time, and demonstrating that you can’t summarise using a clear, concise writing style.
Keeping it simple
Don’t go over the top with the design of your cover letter. Keep it simple, smart and easy to read - using the same font and style as you use in your resume.
Spacing is in
No-one likes reading mountains and mountains of straight text. Not only is this hard on the eyes, it’s also a little overwhelming to the reader.
Making style count
Your cover letter needs to be inviting to the reader. If you’re sending your cover letter and resume by post, print it out on white or light-coloured paper. Use a laser printer for extra sharpness.
Spellang mistakes - Ooops!
Your cover letter should be error free. Watch out for simple blunders such as ‘role’ being misspelled as ‘roll’ - it drives recruiters crazy.
Using the right language
Be mindful of the language you use in your cover letter. Here are eight don’ts to bear in mind when it comes to language usage in your cover letter:
- Don’t be too pushy.
- Don’t come across as a desperado.
- Don’t use negative statements.
- Don’t waffle.
- Don’t overuse the word ‘I’. Add a touch of variety to your cover letter by starting your paragraphs off in different ways.
- Don’t reveal too much.
- Don’t use too many big words.
- Don’t be fake. Never ever lie, embellish the truth or pretend to be someone you’re not in your cover letter.
Handwriting doesn’t pay
Today’s business world accepts no excuses for handwritten cover letters. Handwriting doesn’t look professional and makes you look old-fashioned.
Focusing on the employer
Too many people mention in a cover letter what they want from the employer, instead of focusing on the employer’s needs.
Keeping your salary a secret
Don’t mention salary requirements in your cover letter. It may work against you. The interview is the best time to bring up money matters.
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Excerpted with permission of the publisherJohn Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd from Australian Resumes for Dummies, Copyright 2008 by Amanda McCarthy. Avaliable from all good booksellers from RRP $39.95
Published: 18 April 2008