Cover Letter Tone: Formal or Friendly?

 When creating cover letters, a common mistake is to essentially use the same letter every time. Many applicants change nothing more than the name of the company. This is a bad idea and you can be certain that your generic letter is seen as such by those who read it. It is not as hard to spot these type of cover letters as you might think that it is. The other common mistake is in tone. As a general rule, formal is better. But this is not always the case, though it is safe to choose this style if you are unsure on what to do. It is always best to be over-dressed than under, right?

I am going to assume you have done your homework and know enough about the job you are seeking to be specific in your cover letter. If you do not have that information, then get it before you begin writing. You cannot craft a decent cover letter without specifics. Plus, during your research you may find a reason or reasons to skip the whole application process all together!

The tone of the letter will be dictated on the position you are seeking. The rule is that the more authority the position has then the more formal the cover letter should be and the more specific. Makes sense, don't you think?

You want the letter to be brief but complete. It's important to highlight your skills in relation to the specific job being offered and to explain why you are perfectly suited to the position. Any of your skills could seem unimportant to you, in regards to the job at hand, but it could be something that the company sees as the most important. Find a way to include anything that may help you land the job.

Of course you will address the letter to the person doing the interviewing. If you do not know who this is, then just call and ask because "To Whom It May Concern" just will not do! Address him or her formally throughout your letter. Never shorten someone's name unless given permission to do so. Save the informal and friendly approach for your friends.

When writing a cover letter you want to get your point across as briefly as possible while showing respect to the reader. The tone should always err on the side of formality, you never know how high up your application might go.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tubed Packaged Goods - What Are the Advantages?

  Tubed packaged goods provide consumers with comprehensive information about the products they're buying. Most manufacturers print their brand name or other relevant information right on the front of the packaging. Other tubed packaging options include a note containing extra information or branding. These tubed goods can also be used as marketing tools to spread the word about the product and increase its sales. Here's a look at a few of the benefits of tubed packaging. First, these goods provide great protection and convenience. Unlike their store counterparts, they're also more cost-effective. Plus, tubed packaged goods are also much more attractive and convenient for customers to open than conventional packaging. In addition to offering great protection and convenience, these packaging options offer a greater selection and are also much cheaper. Most retailers even offer online shopping options for tubed packaging. If you're considering using this packaging option,...
Read more

How to Develop Idea Inventions

  If you have a great idea for a new product but are not sure how to get it to the market, you can get help from experts. Nicole Lininger, a marketing and communications professional, recommends that you devise a social media marketing plan. This can be cost-effective and reach a large audience. She also suggests pursuing a patent to protect your idea. Product ideas A product idea is a concept that describes a new item. It specifies its purpose, features, and design elements. Many product ideas include mechanical components. Product designers work with these designs to create the actual object. Product ideas often target specific problems that people have. For example, a vacuum cleaner that works faster and removes more dust could be an excellent idea. After a person has an idea for a product, the next step is to document that idea. It can be in the form of a description, doodles, or a sketch. It is vital to document the idea if it is to be turned into a business. Product ideas tha...
Read more

5 Steps to Developing Your Idea Into a Profitable Business

The first step in building a successful business is to develop your idea into a product or service. During the initial development phase, you will want to validate your idea with real customers. You should get honest feedback from this group and re-test your idea on a regular basis. In addition, you should engage in conversations in your industry and talk to other entrepreneurs. Ideas While it may seem that a new invention is a step in the right direction, some  idea for invention   may turn out to be useless. They may solve a need, but may not be attractive to a large audience. Realizing this early on can help you avoid wasting time and effort on something that may not be useful. Instead, consider what other uses your invention could have. When brainstorming for ideas for an invention, try to stay grounded and think of common opportunities that you encounter in daily life. This will help you come up with a more effective solution. It's also helpful to focus on a particular in...
Read more