You’ve worked hard on your resume. You’ve developed your brand and identified a company that needs your expertise. Just as important, a bespoke cover letter may be the difference between an interview and your CV becoming a paper airplane. This may present a challenge for those of us that actively replace words with an emoji or scrawl in 140-character short hand…FWIW.

Disclaimer- the following is meant as guide, not a guarantee. These are suggestions rather than directions. Each case will present its own unique set of variables, just try to keep these ideas in mind. • Always open with a greeting to the Hiring Manager, such as “Dear Ms. Jeffries”. While it won’t work for Mr. Smith, Steve or Janice, Ms. Jeffries will be delighted that you have acknowledged her. • Stick to a standard structure - a compliment or pleasantry, a call to action, a closing message and a signature that includes your name and phone number. • Be straightforward - Keep in mind that the reader will not be able to see your facial expressions or gestures and may very well misinterpret you. So, save your trademark wit for face-to-face conversations—BTW I am currently smizing. • Keep it short, honest and compelling. —you have 30 seconds to get your message across. If the message is boring, you may as well not write it.
• It’s about you – Apply to the readers’ emotional side. Make them understand you are a real person. Don’t whine, don’t complain. Lift. Try to make them smile.
• Close it with your name- “Best regards”, “Sincerely”, and “Thank you” are all professional. Avoid closings such as “Best wishes” or “Cheers”. • Ah, but before you hit the send button, review it! Read it aloud. Sounds silly but it should help you to identify bad grammar. You’ll also want to use that button labeled “spell check”- but don’t rely too much on that, for you see…

To rite with care is quite a feet of witch won should bee proud, And wee mussed dew the best wee can, Sew flaw's are knot aloud.

Sow ewe can sea why aye dew prays such soft wear four pea seas, And why eye brake in two averse buy righting want too pleas.

Eye have a spelling checker, It came with my PC It highlights for my review Mistakes I cannot sea.

I ran this poem thru it I'm sure your pleased to no Its letter perfect in it's weigh My checker told me sew.

You are worthy of respect. You are valuable. You just need to make others see what you know to be true. Plan, Study and Apply.

Sincerely.