COVER LETTER TIPS:

Tailor your cover letter for each position and for the reader. If you are a chemist writing to another chemist use the technical jargon. If you are a chemist writing to the director of human resources use simple language.

Be short, concise and direct. If the reader receives 1000 letters, time is of the essence. Eliminate extra words and unnecessary detail.  In other words, get to the point!

It is best not to use abbreviations or acronyms unless you have previously written out what they mean. Don’t assume the employer will figure it out. This is his/her first clue that you are lacking effective communication skills. If your reader will understand the abbreviation use it. For example, a computer science major writing to IBM may write:

MS PowerPoint instead of Microsoft PowerPoint

A computer science major writing to the department of human resources may write:

C++, a programming language

DO...

• Keep it brief and to the point.
• Proofread, proofread, and proofread.
• Address it to a specific person with the correct job title to increase the chances that it will be read. Remember all the junk mail you throw away. Addressing your letter to a person is courteous, takes initiative, and indicates genuine interest in the company and job!  If you don't know who to send the application materials to call and ask without identifying yourself. For example, "I'm interested in applying for the broadcasting position.  To whom should I address the letter? or Who is chairing the search committee?"  Get the spelling of the name.  John Smith could be spelled, Jon Smith or John Smyth, etc.   
• Name-drop if possible.  In the first paragraph write something such as: " I learned of this position through Samantha Roberts, Director of the Museum of Natural History."  If Samantha Roberts is also a family member, do not include personal relationship information.
• Keep your letter focused on the employer. It’s not what the employer can do for you. It’s what you can do for the employer. Explain how you can contribute, not how this would be an excellent place to begin your career and how you will benefit from it.
• Describe yourself in the first person, not third person.
• Write in a professional style.
• Remove hyperlinks.
• Avoid using contractions.
• Use matching (résumé) paper and envelope (white or ivory).
• Print laser quality.
• Accent your strengths, not shortcomings.
• Limit your letter to one page.
• Choose sharp, simple, easy to read fonts for your letter for good visual organization.
• Establish your credibility by using industry-specific terms.

DON'T...

• Send form letters or be wordy.
• Use “To Whom it May Concern” unless it is absolutely impossible to find a contact name.
• Be gimmicky or cute.
• Mention salary (unless requested), fringe benefits or vacation time.
• Talk about your personal life or feelings.
• Include "I think," "I feel," I hope," or "I believe" statements which can convey a lack of confidence.
• Use the word "love" in professional cover letters.
• Present negative information.
• Staple or paperclip your cover letter to your resume.

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