Format
False. If the cover letter runs too long, the potential employer will likely stop reading it. It is best to keep the cover letter around 1-2 pages in most cases.
True or False: The very first element in the cover letter should be the salutation, such as, "Dear Mr. Letty,"
False. The header should come before the salutation.
True or False: It is redundant to include your name again at the end of the cover letter. It is in the header and on your resume. Just finish your letter with your concluding paragraph.
False. Include a formal sign-off, such as "Sincerely," or "Yours Respectfully," followed by your name.
True or False: It is a good idea to open the first paragraph of the cover letter with a clear statement of purpose.
True. You could write something like, "I am writing to apply for ..."
True or False: It doesn't matter what you post to social media. Social media is part of your private life and has nothing to do with your work life.
False. It is common for potential employers to check applicants' social media pages and what they find often impacts their hiring decisions. Your digital presence is part of your professional brand.
True or False: Use highly readable, tight fonts such as Helvetica or Times New Roman, and point sizes no larger than 12 and no smaller than 10.
True.
True or False: When writing the date in the cover letter header, it is best to use a numeric date (ex: 3-8-2023).
False. Write the date out (March 8, 2023 or 8 March 2023)
True or False: You should include your email address and phone number in the conclusion or sign-off of your cover letter.
True. It is important that you make it easy for any potential employers to contact you.
True or False: The cover letter is all about you, make yourself shine, and don't distract from your experiences by mentioning anything about the company you are applying to work for.
False. It is really important to show how and why you are the best choice for the specific job, and in order to do that, you need to include details about the company's activities and mission. This also shows that you have done your research.
True or False: It is okay to "stretch the truth" on your resume a little. Everyone does it, so employers are expecting a certain level of exaggeration.
False. It is unethical to include anything that is not true on your resume, and, when discovered, could lead to immediate dismissal.
1-inch margins on all sides of the paper
True or False: Skip a line in the header of a cover letter between your information and the date.
True.
Should a line be skipped between the sign-off phrase (ex: "Yours Respectfully,") and your name?
Yes, you should skip a line between the sign-off and your name. For example,
Sincerely,
(skipped line)
Nancy Black
True or False: It is best to have only one body paragraph in the cover letter, so if you have a lot to say, just make it a really long paragraph.
False. It is best, in most cases, to keep the paragraphs of the cover letter short and easy to read. Try to stick to one topic per paragraph.
True or False: It is okay to use the first person ("I" statements) in cover letter writing.
True. Just try to avoid sounding too informal.
How should you signal a new paragraph in your cover letter?
Skip a line between paragraphs. Do NOT indent the first line of each new paragraph.
The header includes:
A) Your name and address
B) The potential employer's name and address
C) The date
E) B & C
F) A, B, & C
F. Your name and address, the employer's name and address, and the date are all included in the header.
True or False: The conclusion is basically a throw-away element of the cover letter. It doesn't really matter what you write there.
False. Every element of your cover letter should be carefully considered and strategically executed. The conclusion gives you a chance to skillfully wrap up your letter and encourage them to contact you.
True or False: It can be helpful to read industry-related publications to make sure you are up-to-date on the latest business news of your industry. This can be very helpful in cover letter writing as well because it can help guide the topics you emphasize.
True.
After you have read the job ad, it is helpful to...
...make a list of keywords, phrases, and information related to the posted position.