Misrepresentation. You should never misrepresent your experiences and skills in either your cover letter or
resume. When the organization discovers the misrepresentation—as they will—they have grounds for
immediate dismissal. If you have achieved something, say so and explain the situation it in the best possible
manner. However, don’t exaggerate anything to the point of misrepresentation.
Using anecdotes. Your cover letter should be written in a serious, professional tone. If you use anecdotes,
you run the risk of not being seriously considered. You should always keep a polite and respectful tone in
your letter.
Don’t sound desperate. Your cover letter should make you sound determined to successfully enter into the
industry—not desperate to do so. Enthusiasm is very different than desperation. Make sure you don’t beg
for a position.
Demanding statements. You should never demand something from the employer in your cover letter. It is a
common mistake to state “I am looking for a unique opportunity in which I will be adequately challenged and
compensated.” This insinuates that you expect the employer to place you in a position that satisfies your needs—
not theirs. It is more effective to indicate where you feel you could make a contribution to the organization.
Wrong pronouns. In your cover letter, you must present your experiences and qualifications in an interesting
manner. Do not use the third person (he/she) to discuss these qualifications. This is disconcerting to most
employers. In general, using the first person (I) voice is preferable.
Avoid gimmicks. While sending a gimmicky type product instead of a cover letter may seem creative, the
majority of employers will not be impressed. In fact, most employers prefer a simple, well-written letter.
Messy corrections. Your cover letter should contain all pertinent information. If you forget to mention
something in your letter, retype the letter. Including a supplementary note, either typed or handwritten, is
unprofessional and appears lazy.
Form letters. Mass mailings to employers are not always the best way to find a job. Most importantly, by
taking this approach you cannot personalize each resume and cover letter. Every cover letter that you send
should be tailored to the position you seek and should demonstrate both your interest in a specific industry
and familiarity with the employer.
Personal photos. Photos are completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Unless you want to enter into
acting, modeling, or broadcast journalism, do not send a photograph.
Personal information. Not only is personal information inappropriate on the resume, it should also be taken
out of your cover letter. Do not include data such as your age, marital status, race, religion, or any other
personal information unless you feel it directly pertains to the position you are seeking.
Inappropriate stationery. The only universally accepted stationery
colors are white and ivory. Using different colors is not the best way
to get an employer’s attention—especially when applying to
conservative industries.
S E R IOUS NetWORKING
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