The Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Cover Letter
If you hate writing cover letters, you’re not alone. Crafting them can be the trickiest part of a job application — and there’s so much conflicting advice out there, it can be hard to even know where to start. Here are some basic dos and don’ts.
Do:
- Have a strong opening statement that makes clear why you want the job and what you bring to the table.
- Be succinct — a hiring manager should be able to read your letter at a glance.
- Share an accomplishment that shows you can address the challenges the employer is facing.
Don’t:
- Try to be funny. Too often it falls flat, and you want to avoid a cringey moment at all costs.
- Send a generic cover letter. Customize your letter for each job.
- Go overboard with flattery. Be professional and mature.
“How to Write Cover Letter,” by Amy Gallo