Covering letter no-nos A good covering letter introduces you to the employer and explains why you are one of the best candidates applying for the jobs advertised. By avoiding the following no-nos, you can create a covering letter that stands out from the crowd. Forgetting to proofread your letter for errors and tone before you send it. Make sure your letter has no spelling, typing, or grammatical errors. Job applicants are frequently deselected because of such mistakes. Addressing the letter to the wrong person. Call the company and find out the name and title of the person to whom you should address your letter. It shows initiative and resourcefulness, and will impress your reader that you figured out a way to address them personally. Use their name and title and dont try to guess their gender. Betraying your ignorance about the company and the industry. This is where your research comes in. Dont go overboard - just make it clear that you didnt pick this company out of the phone book. You know who they are, what they do, and you have chosen them. Being too informal. Promote yourself as a professional. Your letter should be as close to a business proposal as you can get - not a plea for an interview. What do you offer that is of value? What objectives can you help them achieve? Talking too much about yourself. Downplay I and emphasise you. Try to convert I haves into you wants for the employer. What can you do for the organisation that will create interest and arouse a desire for an interview with you? Sending photocopies. Send original letters. Dont send copies that look mass-produced. Dont use typewriters or dot matrix printers and never hand-write your letter. Forgetting to include a copy of your CV. Remember that the one purpose for a covering letter is to get your CV into the hands of the employer and to obtain an interview. Enclosing a photo. Unless you are seeking employment in modelling, acting, or other performance industries, it is not appropriate to send a photograph with your covering letter. An employer will see what you look like, should you reach the interview stage. Until then, a photo wont help you get a foot in the door. Visit Service and Jobs through serviceandjobs
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 08:03:18 +0000
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