The 5 Do’s and Don’ts in Preparing

the Perfect Cover Letter

• Your cover letter is the first item that will get the hiring managers attention.

• Yet, most people don’t bother attaching or sending a cover letter when applying for a job. A well written cover letter will get your telephone ringing.

Cover letter

Right person for the job

• The person reading your cover letter will not need to read your resume when you follow my 5 Do’s and Don’ts for preparing the perfect cover letter. The person will know you are the right person for the job.

5 Don’ts

1. Don’t make it generic. One size does NOT fit all. Each resume deserves a well written cover letter.

Do not just change the names and date to your cover letter.

2. Don’t address it to Whom it May Concern. Look at the job announcement and see if there is a person listed that you should email the job.

If not, look at the company website or call and ask for a name.

5 Don’ts

3. Don’t use sloppy formatting. If you are not familiar with a business letter format get assistance.

In the to block you will want to put the complete mailing address of the company.

5 Don’ts

4. Don’t forget to include your phone number and email address.

Remember to include as a last sentence how the person can contact you.

5 Don’ts

5. Do not forget to send or attach a cover letter.

5 Do’s

1. Do actually complete a cover letter.

Many websites make it look like the cover letter is an optional item. Always, make time to prepare a cover.

5 Do’s

2. Research the company and job announcement.

The first step to writing a perfect cover letter is to research the company. Identify the company culture. Ensure the company aligns with your values before you proceed further.

5 Do’s3. Identify key words.

Review the job announcement for key words. Ensure these key words are in your cover letter

5 Do’s

4. Highlight & Quantify Skills. List the skills that the company is looking for to hire and then how you have that skill.

You will want to give an example and a quantified accomplishment to show that you meet that requirement or skill.

5 Do’s

5.Attention to detail is mandatory

• It takes only about 10-15 seconds for someone to sum up an opinion of you based on your appearance it only takes a reader about five seconds to sum up an opinion of you based on your cover letter.

• The cover letter will open or close the door for you and your resume.

About Me • I’m your host Coach Jaynine• I am a Retired United States Marine• www.writetherightresume.com• 910-539-2810• Jaynine@coachjaynine.com • Facebook Fan Page – Coach for the Military• Twitter – uneedaresume• Pinterest – CoachJaynine• LinkedIn – Jaynine Ray-Howard

Thank you for viewing this presentation. If you enjoyed it please share and connect with me online