misspelled word
use spell check or any other digital or human help
asks for an interview
consider rephrasing passive language (looking forward to hearing from you vs. I would appreciate an opportunity to interview or I would love to meet in person for an interview)
to whom it may concern
find out who it concerns
love
1 love = okay, 2+ loves...expand vocabulary to other descriptive words
indented paragraph
use block formatting (everything aligns left)
the job title = exactly as written in job posting
don't make them guess what you are applying for
your contact info at top and bottom of page
only need it in one place
!
maybe...how formal is the audience?
!! = consider using words rather than punctuation to show your enthusiasm
a proper noun that needs capitalized
all words in major (except "and"), software programs (Adobe Illustrator, states, Oregon State University, etc.
your major, your school
if its relevant, it should be in the introduction
Your name on your Resume and Cover Letter are not exactly the same (different spellings, middle name vs. initial, different last name, etc.)
match
text that is not black
is there enough contrast for the message? Is it left over from a template? Is there a good reason it isn't black?
a repeated word (non-basic, not including and, the, I, etc.)
change your word or sentence(s) to not repeat words near each other
industry key word (word(s) directly from the job post)
practice empathizing with your audience, speak their language when relevant
Address for addressee is one line:
street address, city, state, zip, country
Stack it
Street address
City, State, Zip
Country if sending from outside current country
You're the best candidate (or the best person to hire)
You don't need to be the best, you need to be someone they want to get to know more. Persuade with specifics of what you can do instead.
wrong word for meaning
these things happen, the editing process can help
Once, when I was... (find a story that starts like this or add one to a letter in your group that backs up a claim)
specifics are more persuasive, credible and connect to employer's needs more than lists or vague/general claims
Class Double
Find the street address or person to address the letter to that doesn't have it yet.
Tells the reader exactly what to do with this letter or what to do or think in general.
They know what to do, just provide what they need! (true things about you that can help them know more about you!)