Cover Letters: What Not to Do

The No.1 mistake job seekers make is not sending a cover letter. A résumé without one demonstrates a lack of interest in the position. It forces the reader to decipher your skills and determine whether they match job requirements.

In today's economic environment, you can't expect the hiring manager to take the extra time necessary to make dubious connections between your experience and her needs. Regardless of how you submit your résumé, online or through snail mail, include a cover letter. Even the big job boards make it easy to attach one.

One hiring manager told me that if the candidate didn't at least take a stab at writing a cover letter she assumed they weren't really interested in the job.

Using "Dear Ma'am or Sir." Trust me - I am definitely one or the other. Instead, go the extra mile and research the name of the person to whom you are addressing the letter. Unless you personally know the hiring manager, begin the letter with Dear Mr. Smith or Attention Ms. Jones, followed by a colon, not a comma.

If you are unable to identify the hiring manager by name, address the letter "Attention Director of Marketing" or "Attention Hiring Manager."

Approaching the cover letter as though it was a fax cover sheet. A cover letter is not a cover sheet for your résumé. A well-written cover letter sells you and adds value to your résumé.

Not highlighting the specific experience and skills which relate to the position.

Your letter should tie your experience and skills directly to the job requirements. You cannot expect the hiring manager to make the leap between what he or she wants and what you have to offer. The cover letter should make it absolutely clear that you match their requirements. Pick three or four job requirements and directly connect your experience to them.

Focusing on unrelated experience or skills. The hiring manager is interested in your relevant experience. Unless ballroom dancing and donating blood are job requirements, don't mention them in your cover letter (or résumé.)

Including salary requirements or salary information. Salary matters are best discussed during the interview. Until you have a good understanding of the scope of the job, it is impossible to determine what an appropriate salary would be.

If you are asked to include your salary in the cover letter, address the issue with a sentence explaining that you will be happy to discuss salary during a personal interview.

Salary is used to weed you out, not screen you in. Both you and the employer can determine if you are a good match for the position once you have had a chance to meet, discuss the scope of the job and review your qualifications.

Writing a generic "one size fits all" letter. A canned letter is just that, and belongs in the can next to the hiring manager's desk. An effective cover letter encourages the reader to review your résumé. It is well worth spending a little extra time writing one.

Hi I'm Mary Jeanne Vincent, Career Expert and Strategist. I help people just like you identify their expertise, articulate their value to employers and create a positive online image. My clients are successful executives, professionals and recent college graduates who are willing to invest in themselves and their career to achieve their goals. If you would like to join their ranks, let's talk! Visit me at http://www.careercoachmjv.com/ today.