31 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter
Yes, cover letters do get read. And yes, it would be easier to let your resume speak for itself, but then you miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.
Ready to get started? Here are 31 of the best cover letter tips of all time.
1. Don’t Regurgitate Your Resume
2. Think Not What the Company Can Do for You
3. Clearly Show What You’re Capable Of
4. Showcase Your Skills
5. …Not Necessarily Your Education
6. Don’t Apologize for Skills You Don’t Have
7. Highlight the Right Experiences
8. Tell a Story
9. Use a Few Numbers
10. Consider Testimonials
11. Cut the Formality
12. Think Custom, Not Canned
13. Start With a Template
14. …Or Some Inspiration
15. Be Open to Other Formats
16. But Don’t Go Too Far
17. Consider Adding a Headline
18. Be Real
19. ...And Normal
20. Cut the Fluff
21. Write in the Company’s “Voice”
22. Boost Your Confidence Before Writing
23. Have Some Fun With It
24. Don’t Let Your Fear of Bragging Get in the Way
25. Have Someone Gut Check It
26. Keep it Short and Sweet
27. Don’t Start With Your Name
28. But Do Include the Hiring Manager’s Name
29. Unless You Don’t Know It
30. Edit
31. But Care Most About Standing Out
