These 10 quick ways will make your cover letters more readable, and therefore increase the chance that you will be invited for an interview.

2. Should you include a cover letter with your resume?
Career counselors and job search experts definitely
have different opinions. But some employers still
require a cover letter, and in other instances it is
simply advisable and prudent that one be included.
These 10 quick ways will make your cover letters
more readable, and therefore increase the chance
that you will be invited for an interview.

3. Your cover letter should not be more than one
page
Your cover letter should not be more than one page,
and should usually be much shorter. Longer cover
letters will simply not be read.

4. Use Arial or Times New Roman font, with a
minimum size of 11 point
Use Arial or Times New Roman font, with a
minimum size of 11 point. These are the most
common and professional font types, and the easiest
to read.

5. Address the cover letter to specific person
Address the cover letter to a specific person. If you
cannot, then your salutation should be “Good Day.”
Do not use “To Whom It May Concern,” or “Dear
Sir or Madam.”

6. Cite a common connection or mutual friend
If possible, cite a common connection or mutual
friend in the first sentence as the reason for writing
or contacting the person the person to whom you
are addressing the cover letter.

7. Here is an example:
David Smith suggested that I contact you about a
_____ position with XYZ company. David and I
have known each other for ______ years. I am a
______, with ______ years of experience in
______. I have additional experience in _____, and
______. Highlights of my experience include:

8. Use a two-column table
If you are applying for a job, list and compare its
requirements and your qualifications in a two-
column table. This easy side by side comparison
allows the employer to quickly verify that you meet
the requirements for the job.

9. Create the table using the “table” feature in MS
Word. Choose a simple style, and center the table in
the middle of the cover letter. The column headings
should be “Your Requirements” and “My
Qualifications.” The headings should be bolded.

10. Mention some recent good news about the
employer
Mention some recent good news about the
employer. This can include congratulating the
employer about receiving a new contract, a recent
business expansion, or having a profitable quarter.
This helps convince the employer that you are
genuinely interested in their company, and not
merely the job.

11. If you are writing to a specific person, mention one
of their recent achievements. This helps establish a
personal connection and rapport with the person,
which increases the likelihood that they will at least
review your resume.

12. Unemployment
If you are unemployed, briefly mention what you
have been doing since your last job ended,
including blogging, caregiving, consulting,
continuing education, teaching, volunteering, etc.
You should clearly state that any caregiving has
ended, so the employer knows that you are
immediately available.

13. Do not discuss your expected salary
Do not discuss your expected salary, but state a
range if you are asked for your salary requirements
in the job posting. That range should include or be
slightly greater than your current or most recent
salary.

14. Do not repeat your resume
Do not repeat your resume in the cover letter. Use
the cover letter to instead highlight how your
achievements match the requirements for the
position. You must quickly demonstrate that your
experience can solve whatever problem prompted
the employer to advertise the position.

15. Use “Sincerely” as your closing
Use “Sincerely” as your closing. “Best wishes” is
too personal.

16. About Me
I am a writer, editor, attorney, and author. I
specialize in corporate communications, including
action alerts, brochures, newsletters, press releases,
publications, reports, and talking points. I have
written and edited legislation and regulations,
including one bill that became law. I also edit
articles, cover letters, resumes, LinkedIn profiles,
and websites.

17. I was an Associate Editor of the Law Review, and
award winning author in law school. My book Say
Not “What If” is written as a long rhyming poem,
and has glowing reviews on Amazon and
Goodreads.

18. Please contact me at ajohnfriedman@gmail.com, or
www.linkedin.com/in/ajohnfriedman for more
information about my services. I can definitely
improve the quality of your writing. I have fantastic
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always free if a client is not completely satisfied.