Cover Letter Mistakes: Don't let this happen to You

Free Job Resume Cover Letter Articles : Cover Letter Mistakes: Don't let this happen to You! by John Groth

Here are some ideas on how not to write a cover letter. Don't let these blunders keep you from the job you want.

The right cover letter will make you stand out from the crowd. You've just come across a job opening that exactly fits your skills and experience. Don't rush drafting the cover letter, pay attention to detail and you'll likely make the first cut and get the interview. But what can you do, or not do that will severely hurt your chances in getting the interview?

1) You fail to address the letter to the hiring manager: Finding the name of the hiring manager is a simple as a phone call or a few minutes on the internet. If you call, get their extension number, as you will probably be calling again. This small item will get you off to a good start.

2) You fail to indicate the job you are applying for: Many employers have a number of ongoing job openings. If you fail to put a reference line between the employers address and the salutation, or indicate the job you are applying for in the first paragraph, the hiring manager will not guess and your submission will likely get thrown out.

3) You fail to address none of the job requirements: The employer lists specific needs and skills in the job announcement. If you fail to focus on these needs your cover letter will impress no one.

Personalize your cover letter by speaking to the employers need and the skills required in the job. Use the words in the job announcement and tie them in to your achievements and skills. In this way, the personalized cover letter will show that you understand their needs and you've spent some time tying their requirements to your experience.

4) You fail to include contact information: Many times the applicant will put their contact information on their resume and not put duplicate contact information on the cover letter. If the two documents get separated and the resume gets misplaced your chance of an interview goes down to zero.

5) You fail to add a call action: You want to make the hiring manager do the least amount of work as possible in order for you to get an interview. One of the ways you can ease their burden is by calling them to follow-up. State that you will call them in a certain amount of time - say one week or on a specific date - and be sure to do it.

Don't worry about coming across as too aggressive. Its acting proactively which employers think highly of and you can expect them to take notice. Of course they may call you even before you get a chance to give them a ring, but that's a good thing.

Cover letters that show you have paid attention to the details will get your cover letter and resume in the "to interview" category. Take your time with the details, craft the best cover letter that you can and you'll find more employers wanting to interview you.

About the Author
John Groth is a career coach. Find valuable Career Development Ideas, in-depth articles and a free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date recruitment and Job Hunting strategies; all to assist you in developing and advancing your career.

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