Avoid these MAJOR cover letter no nos when you're job searching!

1. Cover Letter No - No’s
(What Kills the Chances of Yours Getting Read)
By J.T. O’Donnell

2. An estimeated 50% of recruiters
never read cover letters.
It’s no wonder why.
After speaking to several
recruiters, here’s what they
shared.

3. When they open a cover letter, if they skim it and
see it's just a repetition of what is already in the
resume, they skip reading it.
A cover letter isn’t a resume.
A resume is fact-based summary of your skills
and accomplishments.
A cover letter is your chance to share with the
employer how you feel aligned with their
company, mission, product, service, etc.

4. If you want to improve the chances of
your cover letter getting read, then
you need to give it a F.A.C.E. Lift.
You should focus on the content of
the letter to include...

5. Always start with an exciting statement.
Don’t be afraid to open the cover letter with a bold
statement such as
● I remember the first time I used your product.
● My life changed the day I learned to….
● I’ve been tied to your company for 10+ years.
These are wonderful openers that engage the
reader to pay attention to the story you are telling
them.

6. Format
Clean-lined font, 11 point in size, left-
text justified with one-inch margins.
Stay clear of fancy, scripted fonts and
tiny type - both make it impossible to
read. And, keep margins in place so
there is plenty of whitespace on the
page for easier reading.

7. Attitude
Use conversational speech (no fancy
words) and don't be afraid to show
enthusiasm. This is your chance to let
your personality show.

8. Connection
Discuss how you feel connected to
the company's product, service,
mission, business model, etc. You have
to share how you feel part of their
corporate tribe.

9. Experience
Tell a story about a personal or professional
experience that taught you how important the
work is they are doing. Find a way to back-up the
connection you share with them by validating it
with an experience that taught you what they do
is valuable.

10. These are wonderful openers that engage the reader
to pay attention to the story you are sharing with
them.
And, if you do a great job, they'll be inspired to go
over and check out your resume, too - they might
even give it the proper attention it deserves!

11. Need help with your cover letter?
Check out our new Cover Letter
Accelerator on CareerHMO!