Writing A Winning Cover Letter: Do’s and Don’t

If you have not read my article on writing a job targeted resume. You should do so before reading this, so as to have a full understanding of the article. Thanks. Click here to read.

In this article, I’ll be giving you some simple tips to be considered when writing a covering letter. I’ll also be answering questions like, what is a covering letter. Why do you need a covering letter? Possibly, I’ll be giving you an example resume cover letter if time permits us.

• What is a covering letter? A covering letter is a letter that accompanies your CV when you are applying for a job. It gives a summary of yourself and the information on your CV. A covering letter introduces you and your resume to a potential employer. You can send a covering letter with every resume you submit.

• Why do you need a covering letter? You need a covering letter because without one, your chances of securing the job for which you are applying are slim. Most HR personnel’s would not even read your CV if it has no covering letter. It also gives the employer the opportunity to know more about you and your qualifications than your CV states. Now that we have established the reasons what a covering letter is and why you need one. Let’s talk on how to write your personal covering letter. However, a covering letter should not be longer than one page in length and contain 2 to 3 short paragraphs. Use applicable information; you do not want to waste the reader’s time by writing irrelevant sentences.


Writing a Covering letter accompanying a CV.
The Do’s:
Your covering letter should contain a brief account of all the features, qualifications and experience that make you ideal for the advertised post.

1. Do generate the reader’s interest in the first paragraph, and state your interest in the job;

2. Do promote your potential value by focusing on the employers needs and highlighting your strengths and abilities.

3. Do provide a background summary of education and or experience.

4. Do try to include a statement that encourages a positive response.

5. Do include a final statement of appreciation such as Thank you. Or Thank you for your consideration.

The Don’ts:
Any or all of the following can contribute to lack of result and efficacy and should be eliminated in your covering letter:

1. Don’t ramble- stay on course, don’t write irrelevancies about you.

2. Don’t be pushy- don’t over blow your abilities and strengths.

3. Avoid self-deprecation – it can be annoying and professional interviewers are not usually won over by an ‘ever so humble’ attitude;

4. Don’t exaggerate or brag.

5. Don’t be self centered- you should not focus too much on your own needs, ignoring the needs of the employer. One of the reasons why they need you is to meet their needs.

6. Avoid a characterless or uninteresting writing style, laced with overused expressions.

7. Avoid a messy, muddled or cluttered appearance. – Be calm while writing your letter as most cover letters are usually handwritten. You need to be in a very resourceful state to achieve the feat you desire.

I feel that’s ok for today. So far we have been able to define what a covering letter is; why you need a covering letter. Next article will feature an example resume cover letter. Don’t forget your comments are welcomed, that’s how I know this article has been helpful. Thanks.

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