Are you seeking work? If so, remember that your cover letter is your point of entry into the company of your dreams. It is your tool for expressing your motivation and interest in a job offer.

Generally speaking, we spend more time on our CV / résumé than on our cover letter. However, the cover letter is just as important- with it we are introducing ourselves as candidates for a position. So, be sure to dedicate sufficient time to ensure that your cover letter leaves a lasting impression.

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Need some help? Here is a list of the 9 most common errors that you may be committing and how to avoid them:

1. Hello, spellcheck!!

There is nothing worse than spelling errors or tired vocabulary in a cover letter. It is crucial to take care in this area. Obvious errors will discredit you in the eyes of the reader. At a minimum, use spellcheck. For other errors which might not be detected by spellcheck, don’t hesitate to have someone else read your cover letter; a fresh set of eyes cna help weed out typos. Most importantly, take care not to misspell the name of the person to whom you are addressing the letter. Doublecheck the spelling!

2. Not tailoring the letter to the specific company and position being offered

It is unacceptable to  write, “I am writing with regards to the advertised position.” You MUST tailor the letter for each company and position. Specify the position for which you are applying and indicate the reference number, if applicable. This might seem very simple, but in sending out letters to a multitude of companies, few people take the time to do this. Change a couple of sentences and distinguish yourself from the rest.

3. Not tailoring your cover letter to the requirements of the position

The goal is to create a unique yet professional cover letter. In addition to specifying the exact position for which you are applying, you should also adjust your writing style and content to the requirements listed in the job offer. Center in on the tone, the job description and the profile that the company is seeking. Use some of the same terms or synonyms of the phrases that appear in the announcement and demonstrate that your skills align with what the company is seeking in an employee. This way, you can show the potential employer that you are both on the same page.

4. Not writing the cover letter in the same language as the job post.

It is much better to write the cover letter in the same language as the job post, particularly if the job requires that language. In this way, you can also demonstrate your skill level in the language.

5. Writing a long and annoying cover letter

Don’t confuse your cover letter with your autobiography. A cover letter shouldn’t tell all. It should be clear, concise and organized and, wherever possible, the sentences should be short and simple. Your cover letter should be no more than one page.

6. Repeating the contents of your CV / résumé

Don’t confuse the cover letter with the CV / résumé; one is not the more elaborate written version of the other. If you have already listed detailed information on your CV, there is no need elaborate further in the cover letter. Don’t repeat word for word that which is already in the CV, instead take this opportunity to highlight important details.

7. Not selling yourself

You’re not writing a cover letter for nothing. Remember that your objective in writing this letter is to get a personal interview.  So go ahead, brag a bit- tell the company exactly why you would be the perfect addition to the team and the ideal candidate for this position. Call attention to yourself and stand out from the crowd.

8. Not organizing your letter in a reader-friendly manner

It is important to organize your cover letter so that is fluid, coherent and accessible to the reader. Use short paragraphs, with space in between, so that your reader can visually identify points of interest. As an example, your letter could be organized in the following way:

–   Introduction- who are you?

–   Experience- brief description

–   Skills and personal characteristics- as they are relate to the job

–   Motivation- what is your motivation for applying for this job?

–  Closing and salutations- you should always sign and date your letter.

9. Mentioning your  hobbies

If your hobbies are not related to what you would be doing for this job, it is do NOT  include them in your CV.

And voilà! You are ready to begin the search for your next job.  Anyone else out there have advice for writing an effective cover letter? Other recommendations and suggestions are welcome!!

Team Emagister 

Related courses:

Job search

Self-marketing and Interviewing

Organizational Skills

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