University:
Boston University
Course:
QST SM 101 | Introduction to Management
Academic year:

2021
Views:

283

Pages:

1
Author:

Akira Boyd

Cover Letter Checklist Before sending out your cover letter, always double (and triple) check to make sure everything is accurate, true, grammatical, correctly spelled, and the best representation of you for that company. Use this checklist to ensure you have the basic components of a good application. FORMATTING & LAYOUT My cover letter is one page long max. My name is at the top, big, bold, and clear. My text is between sizes 10-12. My text is legible in a readable font. My margins are between 1/2" and 1" wide and are balanced. My cover letter is organized and easy to read. My header matches the resume header, and includes my name and contact info. I include the name, job title, and address of the hiring manager. I address the letter "Dear Mr./Ms. [Hiring Manager's name]". If I don't know their gender, address the letter "Dear [First + Last Name]". I sign off cordially and formally with "Sincerely". WRITING & EDITING Everything is spelled correctly. Industry specific words are spelled correctly according to each company's preferences. (Is Communication supposed to have an "s" there?) Everything is in the active voice. I use strong action verbs. My writing is clear and illustrative. I write to my audience (i.e. the hiring manager). My writing is confident and engaging in a professional tone. My cover letter is skimmable—you can discern my experience in 30 seconds or less. It's short—between 200 and 350 words for the main text. CONTENT I include the job title and company name in the body of the letter. I show interest in the company's work and goals. The skills and experience I present match the employer's requirements. I omit information and positions not related to my application. I do not repeat, rehash, or summarize my resume. I expand upon my resume through anecdotes, examples, or short narratives. I anticipate and answer potential questions the hiring manager may have. I show accomplishments and results, not just tasks. I focus on what I can do for the company, not what they can do for me. Everything included is a true and positive representation of me. All dates and locations are accurate. I clearly state what I hope to gain from the process (job, industry connection, informational interview) and indicate a desire to move forward in the process.