3 More cover letter pitfalls to avoid

June 29, 8:36 PMPhiladelphia Job Search ExaminerMelanie Smith

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While it's a great tool to help you get noticed by an employer, a cover letter can also get you dismissed before your resume gets read. There are several pit falls that too many fall into when writing their cover letter, thus getting their resume and their chance at a job thrown into the trash can.

The first pit fall many offenders don't side-step - length Your cover letter is one of many that an employer will read in a day. Hiring managers do not want to read a novel before they even get a chance to glance at your resume. Long-winded or uber-detailed cover letters become quickly overwhelming and, as a result, go unread.

Remember to keep it short. Give a brief introduction and list just a few reasons you feel you are the most qualified candidate for the position. Leave the reader wanting more and they will most certainly give your resume a read.

The next pitfall to avoid - repetition Not only do employers not like reading novels, they don't like reading the same thing twice. Restating your resume in part or in its entirety only serves to make it look as though you have nothing else to say about yourself.

Use your cover letter as what it's meant to be - a means to convey information and personality that you're not able to comfortable fit into your resume.

The last pitfall to escape – being generic Employers want to see that you’ve taken the time to read their position’s description and thought about how you would best fit into their company. A cover letter that makes no mention of the available position or how you could be an asset to their team shows an employer that you didn’t take the time to consider either.

Do some research about the company before sending your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, reference specific things that about the company and the position for which you feel you can be an asset.

Cover letters are not easy to write, but when properly written can make all the difference in your employment status.

For more info: Check out my other cover letter tips or email questions/comments to jobtips4you@yahoo.com,