You have figured out how to write an effective resume. That complete 50% of your work. The next and most important step is to create an attention-grabbing cover letter. A resume and cover letter are two different things – you cannot use the same information for both. If your resume represents dates and facts, your cover letter depicts your personality. Writing an interesting cover letter calls for research and creativity.

1. The Dos and Don’ts of Cover
Letter Writing

2. • You have figured out how to write an
effective resume. That complete 50% of
your work. The next and most important
step is to create an attention-grabbing
cover letter.
• A resume and cover letter are two
different things – you cannot use the
same information for both. If your
resume represents dates and facts, your
cover letter depicts your personality.
Writing an interesting cover letter calls for
research and creativity.

3. What is the purpose of
a cover letter?
• To describe your resume in
your own voice.
• To generate interest in your
profile
• To make them reach your
resume
• To convince them to interview
you
Before you start writing your
next cover letter, keep in mind
these important dos and don’ts.

4. Dos
• There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ cover letter. Customize your cover letter as per
the job profile/ company you are applying for. Include the same job
requirements and skills your employers are looking for.
• Rather than beginning your cover letter with ‘I am writing to express my
interest’, start with an interesting anecdote that connects with the job
profile. An attention-grabbing opening line will make you stand out from the
other fellow job seekers.
• Proofread your text before hitting the send button. A fresh pair of eyes can
catch your spelling mistakes and typos.
• Elaborate some relevant skills from your resume in your cover letter. Quote
examples and references on how your skills have helped your previous
company achieved its goals.

5. Dos
• Highlight your strengths and accomplishments through scenarios
while narrating an incident of how you dealt with a challenging
situation at work.
• Identify the job role you are applying for and include the job
code to make it easier for the recruiter.
• Use simple yet effective language and avoid superfluous and
complicated sentences.
• Maintain an enthusiastic, confident tone.
• Use action verbs to describe your work situations.

6. Don’ts
• Do not use ‘To whomsoever, it may concern’. Avoid using
‘Dear Sir or Ma’am’ as it is better to address the hiring
manager by name. Be careful with the salutation in your
cover letter.
• Do not use the same tone for all the job applications.
While your witty and informal tone might work for some
companies, you cannot rely on the same strategy for
others. Read about the company and its work culture to
understand the voice of the company.
• An average recruiter won’t go beyond the first page of
your cover letter. Don’t be redundant. Divide your text
into three to four meaningful paragraphs.

7. Don’ts
• Do not try to be humorous as it is subjective and can
make you look unprofessional.
• Do not exaggerate or try to flatter the recruiter. Avoid
using clichés such as ‘enclosed, please find attached my
resume’.
• Do not use the passive voice in your text.
• Do not mention the obvious facts in your cover letter.
• Do not copy paste everything from your resume, rather,
be creative and formulate attention-grabbing sentences.

8. Considering the number of job applications
any company receives, a cover letter is
indeed crucial.
An outstanding cover letter can help you
stand out from your fellow job seekers while
making an everlasting impression on the
hiring manager. These Dos and Don’ts of
cover letter writing will help you write an
informative and succinct cover letter.

9. REVA University
Rukmini Knowledge Park
Kattigenahalli, Yelahanka
Bangalore – 560064
Tel: +91-80-66226622, 66226622
Mob: 95388 74444
Email: info@reva.edu.in
www.reva.edu.in