10 Questions And Answers About The Cover Letter

by Stephanie Blye

1. Script or typed?

If the employer doesn't specify that you should hand-write it, the cover letter should be typed at the computer and printed only in black ink. If he specifies he wants a script cover letter, then you should use a high-quality fountain pen and you should pay attention not to make writing mistakes (spelling or grammatical errors, as well as evident evidence of proofreading.

2. How many pages a cover letter should be of?

One. Never go for more! Format it to an A4 format and arrange the text so it appears centered.

3. Whom must I address the cover letter to?

If you know the name of the employer/person who is recruiting you, mention his/her name. If not, try to find his name by surfing the website page of the company you apply in or try to call the HR department and ask what the name of the department's chief is. If you're unable to find a name after these, then just mention "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam".

4. When should I use a cover letter?

You should send a cover letter everytime you apply for a job. The CV is always accompanied by one.

5. How should I close a cover letter?

The format of the copsing line for a cover letter should be "Sincerely, Dan Brown" (assuming ofcourse, that your name is Dan Brown). Do not use "Yours sincerely" because it sounds too personal and familiar. The recruiter is not your friend.

6. What are the essential things a cover letter should contain?

• 1st paragraph - mention the title of the position you apply for and the reason why you would make a perfect candidate for that job;
• 2nd paragraph - offer details about how you can become useful to the company and what your qualities are that make you the perfect candidate for the respective position;
• 3rd paragraph - write about your objectives and aims, relating them to the specific and necessities of the company you apply in. Ask the employer for an interview opportunity and show your availability to go for the interview whenever he decides to.

Concentrate this info in not more than 4 paragraphs, including your contact details and signature.

7. Can I send the same cover letter to all job adds?

It is strongly advisable that you tailor your cover letter to the specific and necessities of a certain position. If you want to apply for more than one job, then re-arrange and re-word your cover letter so that it appears it was designed specially for a certain post. It is very easy for an employer to reject the cover letters which are too general.

8. What should I do after having sent the cover letter?

Remember when you have sent the cover letter and follow-up after a week with a phone call in order to check your status. While you are waiting for the week to pass, you can also apply for other jobs as well...

9. What fonts do I use and what type of paper?

The cover letter is a normal letter of intention and you should not use fonts which are out of the ordinary. Use Times, Times New Roman or Arial. You should use black ink and a white sheet of paper, preferably of high quality. Print the cover letter on paper which is similar to the resume.

10. What type of utterances should I approach?

Use simple statements, avoid clichees and phrases which are too commonly encountered in cover letters. Try not to use too many syntagms like "I can", "I have", "I am" etc at the beginning of every sentence because your cover letter might sound too boring or repetitive. The language you use in your cover letter should be concise and easy to comprehend, use a lot of action verbs and avoid abbreviations and slang.