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Need Cover Letter Tips or Help? Read On!

The way your cover letter is written will directly affect the message it delivers - make sure it's the right one. Our cover letter tips will help you understand how to communicate your thoughts and show your personality. It is extremely important to show employers how you can fix their staffing problems. With the following advice, you can make your letter look and sound better. If you are still not satisfied with it, or need a critique, let us know.

Let your personality and energy shine through your words.
Include a few vivid details about your background to capture the reader's interest.
Write each cover letter separately, even if you use a prototype. Personalize each letter with a sentence or two designed to reflect sincere interest in the specific employer.
Check and recheck for accuracy in spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
Express your capabilities with confidence, but don't exaggerate. Two part-time jobs at a department store do not constitute "extensive" retail management experience.
Use natural language in simple, direct, and clear sentences. Don't try to impress the reader with unusual vocabulary or complicated sentence structures.
Show the employer that you've done your homework and have a genuine understanding of the organization's needs, mission statement, and business philosophy.
Be sincere in your praise, but don't overdo it!
Make sure the letter is completely professional in appearance. Use standard business letter format on stationery matching your resume. Do not use a dot matrix printer or an inferior typewriter ribbon.
Always write to the specific individual who is responsible for filling the position, rather than a human resource official. Be sure you spell the individual's name correctly.
Whenever feasible, use networking resources (industry contracts) to introduce yourself in the opening paragraph of your letter.
Finish with a strong closing statement indicating the action you desire. Take the initiative to request an interview and state your intention to call in a week or two. If you indicate in the letter that you will call, make sure you do. Many job seekers state that they will call, but never do.
Keep copies of everything you send, and follow up according to your stated intentions.
Make yourself easily available and tell employers how to reach you. Provide a number that will be answered either by a person or by voice mail. If possible, include an email address.
It is important to mention activities, honours, and special skills. These can demonstrate skills employers are looking for, such as leadership, organization, critical thinking, teamwork, self management, initiative, and the ability to influence others.
Don't forget to sign and package your cover letter nicely.