Being a small business, I don't often get cover letters and resumes, although once I got a perfume-scented resume on blue letterhead that went directly in the trash.  Yesterday, I got a cover letter that was truly stunning, and not in a good way. It was stunning because it was such a good example of how NOT to write a letter. I am posting it here, with comments (and with identity removed, of course).
<blockquote>To  Whom it May Concern:</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">No personalization...unforgivable since I am the only person listed on my website.</span>
<blockquote>I  would like to be considered for employment with your company, so here is a  little background on my education and experiences.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">Doesn't mention what type of employment is being sought.</span>
<blockquote>I  have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from [XXX ]University, where I double majored in Marketing and Business  Management.  I also earned a minor in  Professional Communications.  I  achieved a GPA of 3.49, while also being extremely involved in extra-curricular  activities and community service opportunities on campus.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">Would have put this down further...or talked about what subjects I learned about, more specifically.</span>
<blockquote>I’ve  gained experience relevant to the business industry through two internships, one  with[xxx}- a marketing firm, and the other with[xxx}.  These internships  allowed me to utilize the information I had been learning at[the University] and  have allowed for me to gain experience in the marketing field.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">No specificity: the writer could have given examples of specific tasks or information learned.</span>
<blockquote>Before  you ask, I’ll go ahead and answer the big questions in your mind.  Yes, I am currently in [other state]  No, I do not plan to work from here; I’m  ready and willing to relocate.  And  finally, No, I understand that I’m entry-level and do not expect to receive  relocation funds.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">Geez. Now you are a mind-reader. Don't assume anything.</span>
<blockquote>I  have enclosed my resume for your review.   Also, my LinkedIn profile can be viewed at[LinkedIn],  if that better fits your viewing preferences.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">This is nit-picky but you have attached not enclosed your resume, since this is an email. </span>
<blockquote>I  would be happy to aid you and your company in future endeavors, if you will  please contact me at [telephone and email] I would welcome the chance to discuss  openings.</blockquote>
<span style="color:#3366ff;">Notice that nearly every paragraph and sentence starts with I. It's all about the writer and nothing about my company.</span>
<blockquote>Thank  you for your consideration.

Sincerely,</blockquote>
I wrote the author of this email back and told her there were no opportunities. I also gave her a couple of tips. She didn't reply. I am pretty positive this letter will get her nowhere.

Here are my top three tips on how to write an effective cover letter:
<ol>
	<li><strong>Personalize: </strong>Have a name (or at the very least a department or title). Mention the name of the company you are applying to, and why you are interested in working at that company.</li>
	<li><strong>Summarize your background, but in relation to the potential job</strong>: In college, you probably took arts classes and sociology, etc. but perhaps you took a really great writing class that would help you be a copywriter, right?</li>
	<li><strong>Talk about what you can do for the company: </strong>Can you bring in business, deal with clients, sweep the floor really well? What do you bring to the table?</li>
</ol>
What are your tips? What are the biggest mistakes you see when you get cover letters?

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