Cover Letters Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do when you cannot find the hiring manager's name for the salutation?
- Use a relevant title like 'Dear Hiring Manager' (Correct answer)
- Write 'To Whom It May Concern'
- Skip the salutation entirely
- Address it to 'Dear Sir'
Correct answer: Use a relevant title like 'Dear Hiring Manager'
A specific title like 'Dear Hiring Manager' is warmer and more current than the dated 'To Whom It May Concern.'
Question 2: Which is a DON'T regarding cover letter length?
- Filling two or more full pages (Correct answer)
- Keeping it to one page
- Using three to four concise paragraphs
- Leaving white space between paragraphs
Correct answer: Filling two or more full pages
Cover letters should stay on one page; going two or more pages loses the reader's attention.
Question 3: What is the best practice for tailoring a cover letter?
- Customize it to the specific job and company (Correct answer)
- Send the same generic letter to every employer
- Copy the job description word for word
- Leave the company name blank
Correct answer: Customize it to the specific job and company
Tailoring the letter to the role and company shows genuine interest and effort.
Question 4: Which opening is a DON'T for a cover letter?
- 'I am writing to apply for the position advertised' (Correct answer)
- A hook tied to a company achievement
- A specific accomplishment relevant to the role
- Mentioning a mutual connection's referral
Correct answer: 'I am writing to apply for the position advertised'
The clichéd 'I am writing to apply' opening is overused and fails to grab attention.
Question 5: How should you handle salary expectations in a cover letter?
- Only mention them if the posting explicitly requests it (Correct answer)
- Always state your desired salary up front
- Demand a higher figure than advertised
- List your full pay history
Correct answer: Only mention them if the posting explicitly requests it
Salary should be addressed only when the employer specifically asks for it in the application.
Question 6: What is a DO when discussing your qualifications?
- Highlight achievements with concrete results (Correct answer)
- List every job you've ever held
- Repeat your resume verbatim
- Exaggerate skills you don't have
Correct answer: Highlight achievements with concrete results
Quantified achievements demonstrate value better than a recap of your entire resume.
Question 7: Which closing action is recommended?
- Include a clear call to action requesting an interview (Correct answer)
- End abruptly with no closing line
- Apologize for taking the reader's time
- Promise to call repeatedly until you reach them
Correct answer: Include a clear call to action requesting an interview
A confident call to action invites the next step and shows initiative.
Cover Letters Cover Letter Do's and Don'ts 2
What should you do when you cannot find the hiring manager's name for the salutation?