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More eCover Letter
Writing Tips
©2006, Pat Kendall, NCRW


 
 

Use Appropriate Language

Many job seekers have a tendency to write pretentious cover letters – assuming that "fancy" writing makes them sound more professional. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Good writing should be cogent, not pretentious.

Showy language may be the norm for legal correspondence, but it does not impress the average employer. Even worse, it makes you sound pompous and stuffy – NOT the kind of employee most companies are looking for.

While some job seekers overwrite their cover letters, others use weak language or active verbs that are too soft. Use the kind of language that is typical and appropriate for the position being sought.

The best way to determine appropriate language and keywords is to research your job target. Analyze the language used in job postings and take your cues from the language used by your potential employers.

 

nalyze the
specific language
used in job
postings and
take your cues
from potential
employers.

Use Business Protocol

Because of differences in the medium being used, some conventions (like signing a cover letter) cannot be applied to e-cover letters. However, the majority of business letter "rules" (like using colons, not commas in the salutation) are still appropriate.

Even though traditional letters are dated, do not add dates to e-mailed letters since the e-mail program adds the current date when the file is sent.

Cut to the Chase

Get right to the point, stay focused, and get help (from a professional or someone with a knack for words) if you have a tendency to write long letters.

Even though the length of your cover letter may not be visible on a computer screen, don't be tempted to ramble. (To be sure, print it out and make sure it fits on a single page.)

Letter content should focus on relevant skills and accomplishments. Unless you're a professional copywriter – one who knows ho to write long letters that keep readers' attention – keep your letters brief.

his letter
is long because I
lacked the time
to make it short.

BENJ. FRANKLIN


Break up Large Blocks of Text
When you format your letter in ASCII text, be sure to break up any large blocks of text into smaller paragraphs or bullet points. This makes it easier (and more inviting) to read.
Address the Cover Letter Correctly

Use your e-mail subject line to route your resume to the right destination. If a specific job number is not available, insert the desired job title and/or job target keywords in your subject line.

Whenever possible, use the properly spelled name of the contact person in your salutation. In many cases, though, you cannot determine the contact name based on e-mail alone. For example, you might assume that Georg2343@company.com should be addressed to George but what if the recipient's name is Georgia? Better to leave the salutation off or address the situation this way:

Dear Georg2343@company.com

Related Links


 

Cogent
(from Dictionary.com)

  • Appealing to the intellect or powers of reasoning; convincing: a cogent argument.
  • Compelling, in a physical sense; powerful.
  • Having the power to compel conviction or move the will; constraining; conclusive; forcible; powerful; not easily reasisted.
  • Forcible; powerful; potent; urgent; strong; persuasive; convincing; conclusive; influential.

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Pretentious
(from Dictionary.com)

  • Making or marked by an extravagant outward show; ostentatious.
  • Full of pretension; disposed to lay claim to more than is one's
  • Making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
  • Of a display that is tawdry or vulgar