Common Cover Letter Pitfalls and Writing Tips

Most people place the emphasis of a job search application on the resume. But have you ever noticed how hardly any hirers accept a resume without a cover letter? That's because hirers want to see a writing sample that expresses your interest in the given position, knowledge of the prospective employer, and relevant skills and experience that you would bring to the job. These are very important selling points that you must convey to the hirer before he or she decides to read your resume. Here are some tips for writing tailored cover letters that are sure to get you noticed:

Address the cover letter to the hirer. Call the company or do a Google search to find out the hirer's full name, title, and contact information. This doesn't mean that you'll be calling the hirer, but this information on your cover letter demonstrates to the hirer that you've done your research for the position.

Include the name of the employer. In your opening paragraph, be sure to mention the position you are applying for and for which company.

Provide a couple of short examples of how your past experience would translate to future opportunities for the prospective employer. For example, if the company you're applying to manufactures billiards tables, explain how your background is a unique fit with the company and its billiards products.

Be careful with salary requirements. Most job announcements nowadays require the inclusion of salary requirements. But it's very difficult to provide requirements for a position that you don't know much about. Either let the hirer know that you will be able to provide salary requirements once you learn more about the position. Or, if you feel confident that you have a good sense of the position's responsibilities, you can give a range for your salary requirements (e.g. $85,000 - $90,000). The key here is to not price yourself out of an opportunity.

Keep the cover letter professional and brief. If you are unsure about the correct salutation to use (either Mr. or Ms.), call the company's main switchboard and ask the receptionist. Or, if you do not know the hirer's name, use a gender-neutral greeting, such as "Dear Hiring Manager."

Close with a promise to follow-up. Let the employer know when you'll follow up with him or her to make sure your resume was received.

Include your complete contact information at the bottom of the cover letter with your full name, address, phone number, and email address.

Paste your cover letter in the body of your email, and do not send it as an attachment.

By providing a few personalized touches to each cover letter, you will impress hirers with your thoughtfulness and thoroughness in researching the company up-front. Don't mass-mail generic cover letters-this will only demonstrate to employers that you have only a cursory interest in the company, and they will likely reject your application.

When you make an effort up-front to personalize your cover letters, you will be sure to reap the rewards of a successful job search.