1.Grab the reader's attention in the first two sentences, indicating that you have some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying and why you are
particularly interested in working there.
2.Approach the letter with the question, "How can you help the company meet its needs?"
3.Be positive in your cover letter. Tell the employer what
you have to offer, not what you don't have.
4.Use simple and direct language and get to the point immediately. The employer may use your cover letter as a way to evaluate your ability to present an idea
in a clear, logical manner.
5.Do not repeat what's on your resume.
6.Highlight your past successes.
7.Tailor each letter to each recipient.
8. Make sure it is not more than one page long and ideally word processed to match the resume.
9.Use the original copy and sign it in ink.
10.Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. If you are responding to an ad that does not include the name of the person
doing the hiring, call the company and ask or do some research using a relevant directory. If it is not possible to get someone's name, use "Dear Sir/Madam" rather than "To Whom It May Concern."
11.Focus on the employer's needs (not your own)!
12.Do not make any self-deprecating, negative statements about your
abilities. However, be careful about sounding too presumptuous, i.e. " I know I'm just the person you are looking for."
13.Check carefully for any errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling. Make
sure you have the correct spelling of names and titles.
Don't forget to date and sign the letter and provide your name, address and phone number
