Any tips for writing cover letters?

[chrisjkeeney]

I benefited a lot from the critique of my resume along with others, but I do not see any posts about writing cover letters. I've perused many websites with generic cover letter set ups, but I would like some specific tips.

Here are some of my main questions:

1.) What is a good format/length for a cover letter? (Should I put my contact info at the top, followed by contact info of hiring staff [if known]?)

2.) Do you write a unique cover letter for each application or change a few details/names? (Almost seems like cheating to me, but if you're applying to 100+ jobs...)

3.) What are some things that positively catch the attention of a hiring staff?

Hopefully this will prove of use to others as well considering the importance of a well crafted cover letter. Thanks to any input!

[Fenex]

In my (limited) job-hunting experience, I think the design of your cover letter depends a lot on who you are contacting. Ie. HR via an online posting vs. cold-emailing an actuary from the SOA directory.

Originally Posted by chrisjkeeney

1.) What is a good format/length for a cover letter? (Should I put my contact info at the top, followed by contact info of hiring staff [if known]?)

3 paragraphs. If cold-emailing, very short and no contact info. A sentence or two about who you are and why you are applying. A sentence or two about your qualifications. And a closing sentence.

If applying online, I write a full cover letter expanding on the skeleton above. I add more details about my education and what I know about the company. I also include contact details at the top
2.) Do you write a unique cover letter for each application or change a few details/names? (Almost seems like cheating to me, but if you're applying to 100+ jobs...)

Yes. If cold-emailing, for me this typically involves changing names/subject lines and a simple fact or two about the company you are applying to. Obviously, the changes are more extensive for a full cover letter.
3.) What are some things that positively catch the attention of a hiring staff?

I am of little to no help here
Hopefully this will prove of use to others as well considering the importance of a well crafted cover letter. Thanks to any input!

[ORLYLOL]

Pretty sure using the search function will help you here

[chrisjkeeney]

Originally Posted by ORLYLOL

Pretty sure using the search function will help you here

Right, there are tons of critiques, but I thought it may be useful to get a general tips thread for people who haven't typed one up yet or are formalizing what to write.


I do have another question I thought of. I thought about mentioning how I am always praised on my work ethics and that my references would reflect that notion. This got me wondering when I should actually introduce my references. Do you just attach another document with references/contact info?

[MG]

Speaking as someone who has read (or skimmed) many cover letters:

Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Do not rehash your resume in verbose terms. Stick to the facts - I tend to eyeroll at grandiose claims of how exceptional the candidate supposedly is.

To the extent you can, personalize the saluation ("Dear Mr. Smith" or "Dear Ms. Jones"), I'm not a huge fan of "To Whom it May Concern" in this context.

[IMP]

is it worth getting an infraction point to make a comment about the thread title?

[ORLYLOL]

Originally Posted by IMP

is it worth getting an infraction point to make a comment about the thread title?

Always, unless the infraction will lead to banning