5 tips to make your cover letter stand out!

Is your cover letter looking a bit tired? Why not try some of these top tips to help improve it!

Your cover letter is your opportunity to shine and impress the employer. Use this checklist created by Skills Development Scotland to clear out your cover letter and avoid the kinds of errors employers hate.

1. Spelling and punctuation errors – There’s no room for either. If you can, ask a friend to check it over and do a final spell check before you send it off

2. Outrageous lies – Nowadays it's easy for employers and recruiters to check candidates' claims online. If you lie, they'll find out

3. Negativity and sarcasm – Don’t criticise former employers and certainly not the company you’re applying to. Be positive about yourself, your previous experience and the role

4. Inappropriate personal details – You don't need to state your age, religion, sexual preference or political affiliations on a cover letter or CV. Neither should you include a photo of yourself or your National Insurance number

5. Confused language and unnecessary waffle – Keep things clear with short, snappy sentences that tell the reader what they need to know

Next steps? Click here to view Skills Development Scotland’s Cover letter guide and Clever cover letters to help you create a knock out first impression!

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