The Dos and Don’ts of Writing A Cover Letter

Tips on how to make your cover letter stand out.

CON: Your Job Might Not Care About Your Wisdom - Your employer might not care at all that you just toiled away for three years to earn another degree. You could be forced to look for employment outside your company to get ahead.  (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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CON: Your Job Might Not Care About Your Wisdom - Your employer might not care at all that you just toiled away for three years to earn another degree. You could be forced to look for employment outside your company to get ahead.  (Photo: Sean De Burca/Corbis)

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Level Up.

Range Your Options - Once you've figured out who he is and what he likes, make a thoughtful wish list for him. Vary your items from your boldest idea to your safest bet, and then narrow it down to your top five picks. If you're having trouble chopping your list, use your budget as an indicator of what you're realistically prepared to do. (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Getty Images)

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DO address it correctly.

DO be brief.  - Though you will likely be sending it via email, do not make your cover any longer than what would fit on one sheet if you printed it out. (Photo: Stefan Rupp/Westend61/Corbis)

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DO be brief.

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DO be specific.

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DON’T waste your opening.

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DON’T be afraid to name drop.

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DO summarize your career.

DON’T be afraid to pat yourself on the back.  - Lay out achievements that illustrate why you are prepared for this position and why it should be your next challenge. Brief bullet points can be useful here, if you have at least three to share. Don’t use more than five. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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DON’T be afraid to pat yourself on the back. 

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DON’T forget to research the company.

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DO express genuine enthusiasm.