6 Basic Tips for Writing Cover Letters

6 Basic Tips for Writing Cover Letters6 Basic Tips for Writing Cover LettersAre you paying enough attention to your titel letters? They are your chance to explain to employers why you are perfect for their company. But job seekers often see them as an annoying, and even skippable, part of the application process. I completely disagree- I recommend always including a titelseite letter. Beloware sixof the most basic tips for writing cover letters.Here are six tips for writing cover letters1. Cover letters shouldnt be more than a page long, and not more than 250-400 words.A cover letter is meant to be an introduction- abriefone- to showcase your best qualifications, a little bit of your partieality, and to answer any questions the employer posed in the job description. Keep it short and simple.2. If emailingyour resume,your cover letterIS the body of your email- dont attach the letter.If youre ever tempted to write an email stating that your cover letter is attached, dont. Simply copy a nd paste your cover letter into the body of your email.3. Address every question asked in the job description.Employers like to list specific things theyre looking for in the job description, and they may also ask you questions or ask you to include specific information in your application. The cover letter is a great place to include whatever theyve requested or to answer their questions.Look out for things like requests for salary requirements, software knowledge, and degrees earned.Pay attention to questions like, Why do you want to work for this company?Read the job description several times to make sure you dont miss any of these details.Many hiring managers will eliminate candidates who dont follow the instructions in the job description.4. Name drop.If you know someone at the company who will help with your application, or will recommend you to the hiring manager or human resources group, include their name in your letter.It might feel strange to name drop like this, but its essential for making your application stand out. Having the endorsement of a person who already works at the company goes a long way to helping job seekers get to the next step in the process the interview.5. Dont use a form letter for each job.While there are some basic parts of your cover letter that can be used for several jobs, dont send the same exact cover letter with each application. Take a moment to address your interest in this particular company and this particular job.You also run the risk of sending the wrong letter to the wrong company. Addressing your letter to one company when its meant for another is never a good move.6. Read, re-read, and re-re-read your letter before you send it.I can almost guarantee there will bea typoin this blog post (perhaps even this paragraph) because every time I remind job seekers to proofread their letters and resumes, I make a typo, and I get called on it every time. Thats why its so important to proofread your cover letters multiple ti mes.Its one thing for me to get called on this- its another thing entirely for a job seeker to get called on it by a company for which theyd like to work.Read them slowly and outloud. Ask friends or family to read them. And dont skip proofreading a single letter, ever. Youll be very glad you spent those extra 30 seconds to do so.Cover letters are a much-debated topic in the job market to send or not to send, that is the question.I say, send.But send a good one. One thatis unique for the company and the position,has been proofread,answers questions from the job description,and portrays your best qualifications for that specific job and that specific company.Yes, it will take you more time to complete applications this way. But over the long haul ofyour job search, this act will most likelysaveyou time.Find more cover letter tips here.Readers, what are your thoughts on writing cover letters? Tell us by leaving a comment below