Ready to Check your Cover Letter? Good! Let's make certain your letter is the absolute best it can be.
COVER LETTER CHECKLIST:
Makes a great first impression, it looks good with a nice balance of white space.
Your personal stationary or word processor header looks professional
The letter is dated in the appropriate place.
The salutation is correct, Mr., Ms., Mrs. of Miss. Not sure, leave it out.
The subject line (optional) accurately describes the position & competition number.
The first paragraph creates interest and grabs the readers attention.
The first paragraph explains why you are writing and sets up your enclosure.
The following paragraph(s) highlights your experience in terms of the benefits to the employer.
Your closing paragraph contains a lead to action, tells the employer you are interested and will follow up with a phone call.
Usage of language is correct with no spelling or grammatical errors.
Every sentence does not start with an I, use active voice, starting with you is much better.
The letter is formatted in a standard business format as in Cover Letter Formats.
Explain any discrepancies bound to come up in the interview. Long gaps in employment...
Be honest, an inflated cover letter may well cost you the job sooner than you think.
Quantify your accomplishments. If you increased sales by 50% say so.
if using paper, ensure your cover letter is a high quality original
Ensure your cover letter is saved in the correct file type for e-mail and internet submission.
Use clear concise language, short sentences and short paragraphs, like you are speaking in person.
Demonstrate you have done some research on the company by including some detail in your text.
Keep the letter to one page, you are not writing your life story.
Used the professional cover letter advice to produce a winner?
Good Progress!
Make any last minute revisions and of course proof read, proof read and proof read again. You only have one chance to make a great first impression, this letter has to be perfect.
Completed your final draft?
Congratulations! Good Work!
Now you can be confident you have done everything you can to ensure your cover letter is representing you at your absolute best.
