The Dos and Don’ts of Cover Letters

Do

Address the cover letter to the hiring manager if you know their name
Communicate your interest in the position, your relevant skills and/or experience and your knowledge of the company, it’s products or industry
Tailor your objective, skills and experience to the job description you’re applying for. Draw a picture for the recipient. Don’t expect them to read between the lines
Provide contact information and detail your availability to start
Write in the “first-person” using the “I” voice

Make simple spelling errors. Use your word processor’s spellcheck tool
Include clipart, fancy fonts, patterned paper, or personal photos
Use templated cover letters that sound stale and mechanical. Write the cover letter in a formal yet conversational tone
List shortcomings. This will come up in the interview, if at all, and you should have a few responses ready that won’t sink your application
Include personal information like age, marital status, gender. All of these things are protected under Equal Employment and shouldn’t be a factor in whether you get the interview or not
Beg or plead for an interview