Resume cover letter - do's and dont's tips

Cover letter Do’s and Don’ts

Here are the keys to writing successful and dynamic cover letters.
Follow these simple rules and you should achieve success in this important
phase of job-hunting.

• Don’t ever send your resume without a cover letter.
• Do address your letter to an individual,if you know the name.
• Don’t use a gender bias, such as ‘Respected sir’ when
answering a blind ad. It could be a woman! Say ‘Respected
Sir/Madam.’
• Do send an original letter to each employer.
• Don’t use such cliches as “Enclosed please find my resume”
or “As you can see on my resume enclosed herewith.”
Employers can see that your resume is enclosed; they don’t
need you to tell them. Avoid wordy and trite phrases.
• Don’t send a cover letter that contains any typos, incorrect
grammar or punctuation; or with smudges and grease from
yesterday’s lunch!
• Do use simple language and uncomplicated sentence structure.
Ruthlessly eliminate all unnecessary words. Follow the
journalist’s rule: Write tight!
• Do speak to the requirements of the job, especially when
responding to an ad.
• Do tell the employer how you can meet his or her needs and
contribute to the company.
• Don’t rehash your resume. You’d be waiting precious space
and the potential employer’s time if you simply repeal your
resume.
• Do avoid negativity. Negativity never has a place in a cover
letter.
• Do be sure the potential employer can reach you and
personally sign the letter, preferably with blue ink.