Cover Letter Knowledge

Question 1

Which of the following should be included in a well-written cover letter?

Accepted Answer

A brief but simple introduction to who you are, the position for which you are seeking, and why you believe you are the best candidate. And doing it better than the competition.

Answer

Everything. If properly written, the letter should provide a clear and complete overview of your entire life to date. Nothing should be left out. Complete coverage.

Answer

The areas in which you believe the company can improve. Try to provide examples of why their competitors outperform them. They are grateful.

Answer

A detailed description of your new insurance policy. You won't forget to use the handbrake again, but if you do, you're safe. Nothing should be left to chance.

Question 2

It's a cover letter, and you want to make a good impression on your possible new employers. Is it time to get out the thesaurus and impress them with big words?

Accepted Answer

Not quite. Yes, I want to impress people, but I also need to stay grounded and natural.

Answer

Yes! I am desperate for this position. I'll be using words they've never heard of before. Ha! Idiots.

Answer

I'm not certain. What exactly is a thesaurus?

Answer

I'll probably just copy and paste from a cover letter I saw from a friend.

Question 3

Which is more essential, the cover letter or the resume?

Accepted Answer

They are both critical in obtaining interviews. One enhances the other.

Answer

CV

Answer

Cover Letter

Answer

Any of them.

Question 4

The CV is in good shape and is about to go 'live.' So, does it really matter that you didn't pay attention to language and punctuation in your cover letter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it does. One works in tandem with the other.

Answer

Not at all. The most significant document is the CV. The letter is merely a formality.

Answer

Grammar, punctuation, and so on. It's completely overrated. I can't think of a single occasion it's come in helpful in my life. Do you think they'll be concerned about my grammar and other issues throughout my interview? I don't.

Answer

It is important, yet it is not one of my strongest qualities. It should be fine as long as it is legible.

Question 5

Should you provide much information about the employer and their company in your cover letter?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Sometimes

Answer

Maybe something about them on page two.

Answer

Yes. I want to demonstrate that I have done my homework. I understand who they are, what they do, and why I would like to work for them.

Question 6

Should you try to address your letter to a specific person or just use the generic Sir/Madam salutation?

Accepted Answer

If a name is provided, I will address that person by name. If no name is provided, I will use the standard 'Dear Sirs.'

Answer

I'll be safe and use Dear Sir/Madame.

Answer

I'm applying to a young, hip company, so I'll probably go with 'Yo, man!  or anything like that. Perhaps even 'Yo, Peeps! 'It's guaranteed to make them laugh.' Ha! Boom! . . . Do you agree?

Answer

I don't think it matters. Nobody will read it anyway. They almost never do.

Question 7

Should you go into detail about the job you're looking for?

Accepted Answer

It's critical that I convey my suitability for this particular position and why I believe I'm the greatest candidate for it.

Answer

I'm not concerned about which job I acquire; all I want is to get my foot in the door. I work well with others.

Answer

No, I'll simply go with the flow. At the interview, there will be plenty of opportunity to talk about the job.

Answer

Yes. I'm overqualified for this position. I could write a book about the talents required for this job. My extensive knowledge will leave them speechless. I'm pretty sure I'll get THEIR job.