Finalizing Your Cover Letter
In this lesson, we'll explore the crucial steps of conducting a final review before submitting your cover letter and provide guidelines for submitting cover letters online or via email.
Conducting a Final Review: Ensuring Accuracy and Readiness
1. Check for Errors:
- Best Practice: Thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any errors.
- Explanation: Errors can detract from the professionalism of your application, so a final review ensures your document is error-free.
2. Consistency in Formatting:
- Best Practice: Ensure consistent formatting throughout your cover letter.
- Explanation: Consistent formatting contributes to a polished appearance and demonstrates attention to detail.
3. Review for Clarity:
- Best Practice: Assess the clarity of your language and overall message.
- Explanation: A clear and concise cover letter is more likely to make a positive impression on the reader.
4. Alignment with Job Requirements:
- Best Practice: Verify that your cover letter aligns with the specific requirements of the job.
- Explanation: Tailoring your cover letter to the job description enhances its relevance and demonstrates your suitability for the position.
5. Customization for the Company:
- Best Practice: Confirm that your cover letter is customized for the specific company.
- Explanation: Customization shows genuine interest and increases the likelihood of standing out among applicants.
Guidelines for Submission: Online or via Email
1. Enclosure Line for Separate Items:
- Best Practice: If sending separate items (CV and cover letter), include an enclosure line.
- Explanation: The enclosure line alerts the hiring manager to expect additional attachments, promoting a more organized review of your application.
Example:
Subject: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Enclosure: Cover Letter and Resume
2. Email Submission: Exclude Return Address:
- Best Practice: Exclude the return address at the top of the page if submitting your cover letter via email.
- Explanation: In email submissions, including only your email and phone number below your name is sufficient and aligns with email correspondence norms.
Example:
```
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
```
3. Subject Line Clarity:
- Best Practice: Craft a clear and concise subject line for email submissions.
- Explanation: A well-defined subject line helps the recipient quickly identify the purpose of your email and cover letter.
Example:
Subject: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
4. Attachments: Format and Naming:
- Best Practice: Ensure your attachments are properly formatted and named.
- Explanation: Well-organized attachments make it easy for the hiring manager to access and review your cover letter and resume.
Example:
- Cover_Letter_John_Doe.pdf
- Resume_John_Doe.pdf
Submission Confirmation:
1. Send a Confirmation Email:
- Best Practice: After submitting, consider sending a brief confirmation email.
- Explanation: A confirmation email expresses your continued interest and professionalism.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to confirm the successful submission of my application for the [Job Title] position. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.
Best regards,*
[Your Full Name]
Conclusion:
Conducting a final review before submission ensures your cover letter is error-free, clear, and aligned with the requirements of the job and company. Following specific guidelines for online or email submissions, such as using an enclosure line and excluding the return address, enhances the professionalism of your application. A well-organized and tailored submission increases your chances of making a positive impression on the hiring manager.
