Your
covering letter will decide the fate of your résumé-
whether it qualifies as a potential contender among the piles
of other résumés- and subsequently whether you stand
a chance or not. The language and choice of words you make will
decide how your letter projects you. A little attention to detail
can give you the much-needed advantage.
Some winsome ways…
Be contemporary
Don’t use outdated expressions like “ I am enclosing
the résumé herewith” or “Please find enclosed
a copy of my resume for your perusal.” One sentence of this
kind is enough to put your prospective employer off for good!
Keep it short
3-4 paragraphs should suffice. Don’t use long winding sentences
that lose the thread mid-way. 12 words per sentence is ideal.
Cast the right spell!
A single spelling mistake is enough to undo all your efforts.
Be sure to confirm the spelling of the person's name and the company
to whom you are addressing the letter.
Use action words
You need to use active verbs like “ designed the website,”
or “ conducted the programme, rather than weak passive sentences
like “was in charge of the design” or “ did a programme…”
Let your active words speak for what you did!
Avoid jargon, slang or clichés
Jargon may make you sound pompous, and slang will create an unprofessional
impression. Clichés will make your letter stale and unimaginative
Use proper English. It’s your safest bet. Also, avoid abbreviations.
Don’t exaggerate or use catch phrases
If you use catch phrases that are “in”, you can bet
your life that the other applicants are going to do the same.
Having ‘excellent communication skills’ or having “leadership
qualities” is not the differentiator anymore. Be specific.
A brief description of concrete experiences will bring your point
across more effectively.
Take off from the advertisement
Make a note of the exact words used in the advertisement and try
to incorporate them subtly in your text. This will help you position
yourself as the best ‘fit’ for that particular job.
Sign off in style
“ I would be honoured at joining your esteemed company,”
or “ eagerly waiting to hear from you,” sounds like
you’re pleading with the employer to give you a chance. A
more dignified option would be to say something like; “ I
hope to hear from you soon.”
Customise
A ‘one-size-fits-all’ type of a covering letter will
soon make its way to the dustbin. Instead of doing a cut and paste
job, try to write a fresh covering letter for each job that you
apply for. In other words you cannot get away with vague, general
information. You need to give each employer something that is
of special interest to him. So personalise each letter.
Edit, edit, edit
This final step is crucial. Even after a thorough check, it is
possible to overlook some errors. Get someone else to read your
letter before you merrily shoot it across to the unsuspecting
employers.
