Help Featured Career Resources Search My Portfolio Assess Yourself
Main Page

Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts

Do's
  • Address your letter to a specific person.
  • Send with resume.
  • Keep it brief (one page).
  • Send an original letter to each employer.
  • Proofread all letters for mistakes.
  • Use action verbs.
  • Take action - - either request an interview or let them know that you will follow up with a phone call.
  • Be sure the employer can reach you (correct phone number, address).
  • Let the employer know which job you are seeking.
  • Be positive and upbeat.
  • End your letter by thanking the person reading it for his or her time (good manners never go out of style).


Don'ts
  • Don't ever address your letter to "Sir" or "Madam" - - use "Dear Director" or "Dear Personnel Manager" if you don't know proper names.
  • Don't ever send a cover letter that has typos, misspellings, or grease stains from your pizza.
  • Don't include letters of recommendations or references.
  • Don't send photocopies.
  • Don't tell employers what they can do for you; tell them what you can do for them.
  • Don't say anything you can't back up.
  • Don't be vague.
  • Don't give a specific salary requirement.

You can now do a simple or customized cover letter. Pick one now.