10 ways to improve your cover letter

Should you include a cover letter with your resume? Career counselors and job search experts definitely have different opinions. But some employers still require job applicants to submit a cover letter, and in other instances it is simply advisable and prudent to include one. Here are 10 ways to make your cover letters more readable, and therefore increase the chance that you will be invited for an interview.

1. Your cover letter should be less than one page. Most employers and recruiters will not read longer cover letters.

2. The best fonts are Arial or Times New Roman font, with a minimum size of 10 point. Arial and Times New Roman are the most common and professional font types, and also the easiest to read.

3. Address the cover letter to a specific person. If you cannot, then your salutation should be “Good Day.” Do not use “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear Sir or Madam.”

4. If possible, cite a common connection or mutual friend in the first sentence as the reason for writing or contacting the person to whom you are addressing the cover letter. Here is an example:

David Smith at ABC company suggested that I contact you. David and I have known each other for ______ years. He has frequently cited your expertise and knowledge in _____.

I am a ______, with ______ years of experience in ______. I have additional experience in _____, and ______. Highlights of my experience and achievements from my resume include:

? Achievement One. (copy an achievement verbatim from your resume)

? Achievement Two. (copy an achievement verbatim from your resume)

? Achievement Three. (copy an achievement verbatim from your resume)

5. Consider doing a “side-by-side” comparison of the job requirements and your qualifications. This can be an extremely effective way to prove that you closely match the job requirements. Name the headings “Your Requirements” and “My Qualifications.” Center and bold the headings and insert a blank line before you begin listing the job requirements and each of your corresponding qualifications.

6. Mention some recent good news about the employer. This can include congratulating the employer about receiving a new contract, a recent business expansion, or having a profitable quarter. That shows the employer that you are genuinely interested in their company, and not merely the job. If you are writing to a specific person, mention one of their recent achievements. Doing so helps establish a personal connection and rapport with the person, which increases the chance that they will at least review your resume.

7. If you have been unemployed for more than three months, briefly mention what you have been doing since your last job ended. That can include caregiving, consulting, taking classes, teaching, or volunteering. Do not state why your last job ended.

8. Do not discuss your expected salary, but state a range if the job posting asks candidates for their salary requirements. That range should include or be slightly greater than your current or most recent salary.

9. Do not repeat your resume in the cover letter except to cite specific achievements that prove you closely match the job requirements. You must quickly and conclusively prove that you can solve whatever problem prompted the employer to advertise the job.

10. Use “Sincerely” as your closing.