Cover Letter Do’s & Don’ts

Cover Letter Do’s:

Tailor to the Employer’s Needs: Address the job description, highlight relevant skills, and use industry keywords.

Keep Formatting Professional: One page, consistent font, structured sections (Intro, Body, Conclusion).

Use Action-Oriented Language: Show impact with measurable achievements and strong action verbs.

Proofread for Errors: Eliminate typos and grammatical mistakes.

Tell a story and give thorough examples: use relevant examples with your experience and education

Align with the Job Description: Clearly connect your experience to the role.

End with a Strong Call to Action: Request an interview and express enthusiasm.

Cover Letter Don’ts:

Avoid Generic or Repetitive Language: Each sentence should add value and not repeat your resume.

Don’t repeat your resume

Don’t Focus Solely on Yourself: Explain how you will contribute to the company.

Eliminate Clichés: Replace overused phrases with specific, engaging details.

Don’t Send the Same Cover Letter Everywhere: Customize for each job.

Avoid a Weak Closing Statement: Clearly state your interest and next steps.

NACE Career Readiness Standards

Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze job descriptions and tailor applications accordingly.

Professionalism: Formatting, grammar, and professionalism in correspondence.

Career & Self-Development: Demonstrating knowledge of the industry and company.

Equity & Inclusion: Understanding and respecting diverse workplaces.

Leadership: Showing initiative and self-awareness.

Technology: Using digital tools effectively for job applications.

Teamwork: Aligning personal strengths with organizational goals.