Career Advice

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CV cover letter

General Tips:

• Grammar and spelling must be perfect.
• The cover letter should not be more than one page long.
• Research and show your knowledge of the company in the cover letter (preferably in the first paragraph).

Salutation

• If possible find and use the hiring manager’s actual name.
• Use “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms”. & last name of hiring manager.
• Do not use a generic “Dear Sir/Madam”.

1^st Paragraph.

• Your opening should indicate what job you are applying to.
• Express enthusiasm for the job.
• Try to make a positive reference about the company to show you have taken the time to research the company before applying.

2^nd Paragraph

• Indicate what skills and experiences you can contribute to the company.
• Relate how your skills match the requirements of the job.
• Position yourself as a superior candidate for the job.

3^rd Paragraph

• Indicate how the employer can best contact you.
• Thank them for their consideration.
• If you haven’t heard anything after a reasaonable amount of time has elapsed then a follow-up call is ok.

Closing

• Use “Yours truly” or “Sincerely”.
• Type your name.

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