Writing a good cover letter is the best technique to standout among the thousands of applicants. Make it creative as much as possible without jeopardizing its professional presentations. Remember, a cover letter is your way to get the attention of your potential employer. Just by reading your cover letter, the employer could easily decide whether to grant you an interview or not.

Sad to say, some professionals with great potentials mostly failed in this area. There are useful tips which they can follow to avoid cover letter mistakes.

1.Conquer the edge of competition. Make sure that you will standout from the rest. Your exceptional and unique qualities should be clearly stressed out. Support your application by providing useful credentials. Be concise, strategic, and persuasive to be considered as an ideal candidate.

2.Properly address the name of the person whom you are applying for. It is the proper way of sending your cover letter. Generic addresses like “Dear Sir/Madame” should never be used. Get the name and the position of the addressee who posted the job hiring by making phone calls. Ask for the right spelling.

3.Write a brief and simple cover letter. The ideal length is only ½ of the entire page. The language should be clear and professional. Acronyms, buzzwords, or jargons should never be used.

4.Your cover letter must shine. The contents of the letter should coincide with its visual presentation. The texts must be arranged into understandable fragments. Avoid the use of solid walls for the texts. Just stick to using one font. Use a high quality, crisp stationary. The style of your cover letter and resume should match each other.

5.Cover letters must get the attention of the reader. A very dull introduction should be avoided. Stress more on the qualities where your employer can spot the big difference. Remember, a very good introduction will prod the reader to continue on reading.

6.Avoid making a lengthy checklist of your past accomplishments. Just select the accomplishments that will qualify on your applied position. It should mention how your skills and expertise give them benefits. Focus on the things which you can contribute to the company.

7.Avoid the effects of bad writing. It significantly decreases or entirely losses the chance of getting the job. Let a professional editor or writer check the grammar, overall readability, and spelling of your cover letter. It is better to invest your money for the sake of your career.

8.Never confuse your employer by exaggeration. Avoid words that are not appropriate such as hyperboles that will project a wrong image. It may cause some problems when you get interviewed later on. Never sacrifice your credibility. Also refrain yourself from criticizing former coworkers and employers.

9.A close encounter with your employer should be maintained. Take the initiative to request for an interview through updating.

10.Always make follow-ups. The chance of getting an interview will be increased if you call your employer right after submitting your cover letter and resume. Keep in mind that it is you who needs the job. Don’t just sit back and wait for your employer’s call.

Following these tips will help you captivate prospective employers. Remember that your cover letter will do the talking on your behalf, so make the most of it.

Image taken on 2009-04-16 11:56:11. Image Source. (Used with permission)