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Resume
writing Advice |
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Cover Letter Writing Tips
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When writing your cover letter keep in mind that the reviewer is only
interested in one thing: the facts. Do not think of your cover letter as an
autobiography. It should be brief and to the point. The purpose of the cover
letter (and resume) should be one thing – it should demonstrate that you meet
or exceed the requirements listed in the job description. It should demonstrate
that you’re interested in the position and that you're available to accept the
position if offered. Additional information beyond this can be
counterproductive as it dilutes the core purpose of the cover letter
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Try to avoid a salary history in the cover letter. Even if the position
specifically asks for your salary history providing this information will more
likely cost you a job than not. If the job ad specifically says that resumes
without a salary history will not be considered, give a historical salary
range, and state that your salary requirements are flexible based on the
opportunity the position will provide
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Spend time thinking about the layout of your letter, and make sure that it's
easy on the eyes. It should be easy to scan the letter, and have a logical
progression. Keep in mind, the reviewer of your cover letter and resume has
hundreds (if not thousands) of cover letters and resumes to look at, so make it
easy for him/her to find the information you want to highlight. Bunched up text
in long paragraphs will frustrate anyone who has to review hundreds of resumes
and cover letters a week. In addition to the layout, don't just repeat your
resume. Your cover letter is not a summary of your resume; instead, it's an
introduction of yourself, and an argument for why you are the best candidate
for their company and the specific position. Above all, avoid the generic cover
letter that you get from books. If you are not sure how to write a targeted
non-generic cover letter, we suggest using a professional cover letter writing
service. The services are fairly inexpensive - professional cover letter
writing services start at about $30.
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PLEASE do NOT follow the advice of poorly written resume and cover letter books
and websites that Advice on using platitudes and clichés in your cover letter.
Resume reviewers do this for a living. They know that almost every candidate
promises "excellent written and verbal communication skills", and the ability
to "think outside the box" and "juggle multiple tasks". The point here is to be
different and stand out. The goal is to demonstrate your written communication
skills by writing a good cover letter – Cutting and pasting a phrase from a
cover letter / resume book is not impressive.
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As noted above, personalize your cover letter if possible. Your cover letter
should be addressed to a specific person - avoid the "Dear Sir or Madam". Form
letters insult the reviewer's intelligence and indicate that you, the writer,
are broadcasting his/her resume to every employer in the area. Or you have not
made an effort to learn more about the company. Generic/canned cover letters
can lead to failure. Even if you do not know the name of the recipient, you
usually can find a contact name at the company fairly easily. Go to their
company website, and search the "about us" pages for names of individuals to
address your cover letter and resume to. It takes a few seconds and it will
make your letter stand out.
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