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10 Don’ts when writing a cover letter to a potential employer or a recruitment agency.

By Rob Mather

Not only is it important to write a cover letter when applying for a new position, even when applying for a position online, it is also the first thing potential employers or agents will see and from this they will build initial impressions of you the Candidate.

Avoid these 10 simple but widespread mistakes, and give yourself a fighting chance.

1. Don't use a weak opening.
Job hunters often struggle with the question of how to begin a cover letter. In most cases the result can end poorly and fail to hit the mark with a potential employer or agent. (Remember most agents are the 1st port of call to that all important interview with their customer, so treat them as you would treat any employer)

For example:
Weak: I want to be considered for your Technical Support Vacancy.

Strong: I read with interest the recent job vacancy for technical support engineer. Based on my 6 years of experience across multi platforms for several major blue chip organisations in the UK, I would be pleased if you would consider my application for this post.

2. Don't over use "I."
Your cover letter is not your life story. The focus should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your autobiography. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimising your use of the word "I," especially at the beginning of your sentences.

3. Don't omit your top selling points.
A cover letter is a letter that sells you as a candidate. Just like the CV, it should be compelling and give the main reasons why you should be called for an interview. Excellent cover letter strategies include emphasising your top.

Accomplishments or creating subheadings culled from the position advert. For example:

Your ad specifies.
and I offer

Excellent Field engineering and customer facing qualities in a busy and demanding technology environment.

Strong Computer Engineering Background, including Microsoft and Novell operating systems, servers and associated software applications support.

4. Don't make it too long or too brief.
If your cover letter is only one or two short paragraphs, it probably doesn't contain enough key information to sell your abilities effectively. If it exceeds one page, your potential audience may switch off Keep it concise but compelling, and be respectful of readers' time.

5. Don't repeat your CV word-for-word.
Don’t copy and paste the key points from your CV onto your cover letter. Reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your CV's impact. Consider using the letter to tell a brief story, such as "My greatest technical achievement" or "My latest Technical qualification."

6. Don't be vague.
If you're replying to an advertised opening, reference the specific job title in your cover letter, also remembering to add he job reference number. The person reading your letter may well be reviewing hundreds applications for dozens of different jobs, both hard copy and online via email. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the specific needs of the employer.

7. Don't forget to customise.
If you're applying to a number of similar positions, chances are you're amending one letter and using it for multiple vacancies. That's fine, as long as you are customising each one, and the contact you are writing to are different. Don't forget to update the company/job/contact information. For online applications to agencies, it is worth sending just 1 email and quoting several jobs of interest rather than emailing the same application 4 times for 4 roles.

8. Don't end on a passive note.
It is always important to end in a professional manner. In general most employers or agents will call you or email a response, however it is in your best interests to promise a follow up call and do so within 1-2 days.

9. Don't be rude
Your cover letter should thank the potential employer or agent for his time and consideration.

10. Don't Forget to Sign the Letter.
It is proper business etiquette (and shows attention to detail) to sign your letter. However, if you are sending your cover letter and resume via email or the Web, a signature isn't necessary.